That was the price for progress, and it worked right out of the gate. Things look much more uncertain now, but the choice not to offer safety Kamren Curl a new contract in 2024 is probably one that Peters would like to have back. Curl emerged from a seventh-round pick into a highly capable starter. Peters didn't think his production warranted another financial commitment, and he signed for the Los Angeles Rams in free agency.
Samuel joined the Commanders via trade from the San Francisco 49ers this offseason. Peters thought it was a risk worth taking, handing a fifth-round pick to his old employers for the versatile offensive weapon. That's proven to be a bargain, with the wideout displaying the consistency and durability that saw him reach All-Pro levels once upon a time. Even though those days might be long gone for Samuel now, he remains highly productive.
Nobody was expecting too much from the Washington Commanders during their Christmas Day clash against the Dallas Cowboys. But it was yet another inept defensive display that left far more questions than answers. And it was another glaring indication that general manager Adam Peters' massive $45 million gamble this offseason is not going to yield the desired results. With Pro Bowl defensive lineman Daron Payne missing the game due to injury, the Commanders needed Javon Kinlaw to step up more than ever.
The sixth-year player has started in all seven of his appearances this season. However, the team captain has seen his role reduced over the course of the season. Rookies Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. have received the bulk of the team's defensive snaps. Wilson, a third-round pick in the 2020 draft, has been a pivotal member of Cincinnati's defense in the turnaround.