Tag: GM Adam Peters first season

Why did the Commanders keep QB Jeff Driskel?

Why did the Commanders keep three quarterbacks?

Why did the Commanders keep Jeff Driskel as a third quarterback on their initial 53-man roster?

For the last two weeks, several insiders have publicly stated that they felt strongly the Commanders would only keep two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster while placing a third on their practice squad.

Yet, after Tuesday’s deadline, Washington has three quarterbacks: Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, and Jeff Driskel.

Head coach Dan Quinn, in speaking with the media Tuesday, expressed, “I think as you are going through it, quite honestly, we like the quarterback room. You just want as many guys in the building that are going through the process, understanding the system and working out. It’s such an important position as you are going through you want as many guys in the building that are always developing, always pushing. No other reason than the talent of the group and we really felt like this group was really pushing it. That was the reason behind it.”

Quinn wasn’t being dishonest. He is simply cautious not to say too much. Mariota, the second quarterback, was the second overall pick in 2015 and he has walked in Daniels’ shoes.

In addition, Mariota was recently in training camp, injuring a groin. If they need to go to another quarterback this season, right now, they are saying they want to have Driskel around.

Being in his first NFL season, the Commanders may feel it best to have two veteran quarterbacks in Daniels’s ear. Having supportive quarterbacks who accept their role in the quarterback room Monday through Friday is going to be very important for Daniels this year.

Driskel is 31. He has been around the football block a few times himself. He was a 5-star recruit for the Florida Gators and was going to be a big deal in the SEC. But it didn’t work out as planned.

Yet, Driskel has persevered, been a good student of the game, and been a good teammate. Consequently, he now enters his seventh NFL team in his eighth NFL season. Having been with the Bengals, Lions, Broncos, Texans, and Browns, he is glad to be here. He won’t make waves. He will come to work each day and be glad to be of whatever help he can to Jayden Daniels and the Commanders.

Who are the Commanders getting in Mike Sainristil

What are the Commanders getting in Mike Sainristil?

Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil was the Commanders’ selection at No. 50 overall Friday night.

Although he is not long, standing only 5-foot-9, Sainristil is built and plays strong at 182 pounds.

The Commanders’ third choice in this draft was named 2nd team All-Big 10, leading the Wolverines’ defense with six interceptions in 2023

Peters, with this selection, obtained the best defender on the nation’s best defensive team, which won the national championship, led by its defense.

Also quite noteworthy is the new Commanders defensive back has only two seasons of playing on the defensive side of the ball. Sainristil actually played his first two seasons at Michigan as a receiver. Therefore, there is still plenty of upside in learning how to play defense.

He accumulated 108 tackles on defense for Michigan, so look for the Commanders to play him on the inside as a slot corner. He is an aggressive tackler, the leading tackler among Michigan defensive backs.

 

Adam Peters said the Commanders have a ‘few cornerstone pieces.’ Who are they?

Adam Peters said the Commanders had a few cornerstone players. Who are they?

“I believe there’s a few cornerstone pieces in this roster. I believe we have a lot of work to do.”

That is how new Commanders GM Adam Peters replied when asked what he thought of the current roster.

So, who does Peters feel are the “few cornerstone pieces”?

On offense, it would have been great if Sam Howell had developed enough this past season, but that did not occur, as Howell led the NFL in sacks taken and interceptions thrown.

Brian Robinson accumulated 733 rushing yards and 368 receiving yards totaling 1,101 yards from scrimmage. But Robinson is a running back. So Peters may not feel it necessary to pay Robinson a second contract, but we can cross that bridge in a couple of seasons.

Much was made of Terry McLaurin accomplishing a fourth consecutive season of 1,000 yards receiving. Frankly, wasn’t too much made of this? In today’s NFL, the rules and officiating favor the offense much more than the defense. Thus, there is more passing in today’s game. In addition, the NFL regular season is now 17 games. He is a fine, hardworking player and is a team leader. Yet, one would be hard-pressed to persuade us that McLaurin is an elite receiver. But his contract may keep other teams from trading for him. Is he really worth his $24.1 million cap hit in 2024?

This leaves the only real offensive cornerstone piece upon which the Commanders must build around, and that is right guard Sam Cosmi. Cosmi’s 2024 cap hit will only be $2,108,135. His last contract year is 2024, so Peters will want to re-sign Cosmi to that second contract.

Defensively, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne have been sturdy and energetic inside forces, but that did fall off some this past season. Allen and Payne will have cap hits of $23 million and $26.17 million in 2025. Allen and Payne were drafted in the first round by Washington in 2017 and 2018, respectively. If Peters wants to receive the highest possible value back in a trade, he may want to trade one or both this offseason.

A few young players who have shown a toughness that Peters may keep around include safeties Darrick Forrest and Kam Curl. Curl is a free agent, however, and may want to hit the open market. A third is Quan Martin, a second-round choice who flashed at times in the later games of the season.

Three other players on the offense could be nice developmental pieces. Chris Rodriguez Jr. exhibited a real toughness on special teams and in running the ball. Jahan Dotson has had his moments where he looks like he really belongs. Another is Curtis Samuel. However, Samuel is a free agent, and Peters may not want to give him a third contract.

Armani Rogers, the most athletic of the tight ends, missed this entire season with a torn Achilles tendon. But he is an athlete Peters will want to keep, as he most likely does not bring back Logan Thomas.

Peters was absolutely correct. He has a lot of work to do.