Friday marked a day of celebrations for fans of the NFL’s Washington franchise. Whether you’re a disgruntled fan, unhappy with the name, the lack of success, or all of the scandals in recent years, you must admit Friday officially kicked off a new era of Washington football.
The Commanders hired former San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters as the team’s new general manager. This isn’t just a title for Peters. He has the final say on all football matters. He isn’t being paid to play racquetball with the owner or run interference in the draft room.
Friday, Jan 12. officially kicked off the Josh Harris era.
Yes, Harris and his ownership group officially purchased the Commanders back in July. However, he was hired too late to make significant changes ahead of the 2023 season. Instead, Harris focused on allowing Ron Rivera and his staff the entire season. Even as bad as it got, Harris stuck to his word. Harris and Rivera handled the latter’s dismissal with pure class.
Pure class? The Washington NFL organization? Who would’ve thought?
For the first time since Charley Casserly resigned in 1999, Washington has an empowered general manager—no more fake titles.
What does that mean?
Well, for once, the Commanders will be run like a normal organization. There will be a GM who reports to the owner. The head coach reports to the GM. There will be no more players running to the owner. There will be more situations where the owner or his handpicked buddy forces the quarterback of their choice on a new coach.
Instead, Peters, the new head coach and, presumably, a quarterback chosen No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL draft, will all start the new era together. Everyone will be on the same page. That’s a refreshing change.
Everyone will be on the same page regarding the development of a young quarterback. Does that mean this will work? Of course not. But, for once, the process is correct.
Peters takes this job knowing there is work to be done on the roster. However, he has the most cap room in the NFL, the No. 2 overall pick, five picks in the first three rounds of the draft, and the autonomy and patience to build this team in his vision.
There are no major rebuilding jobs in the NFL anymore. Peters expects to win in 2024. He can win in 2024 with the right moves. We see it every season. But, most importantly, there is no pressure on him to win in 2024.