The Washington Commanders’ unexpected 8-5 start to the season has made many fans forget how great the remaining need is. Adam Peters is tasked with making the team even better in the offseason.

There are several ways Peters can improve the roster. He can either sign free agents, trade players or sign new rookies.

As things currently stand, the Commanders have to spend just under $100 million, which is the fourth-highest in the league. The fact that Washington is as good as it is and Peters has so much money to improve the team is crazy.

Peters brought a significant number of free agents into the franchise, but didn’t spend much on most of them. The general manager knew he had made the team better. He also knew he could lead the Commanders into potential Super Bowl contention in the 2025 offseason.

According to Tankathon, the Commanders have eight draft picks after trading Marshon Lattimore. Three of them will be in the top 100. Peters has plenty of capital to work with. It is of utmost importance to spend it wisely.

With that in mind, here are the three biggest offseason needs Peters will face come the bye week of 2024.

Commanders need more productive edge rushers

Arguably the biggest need the Commanders have this coming offseason is the edge rusher position.

The Commanders’ defense currently ranks 18th at 99, which translates to a pressure rate of 23.4 percent. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt achieved a 29.8% lead in dial-up blitz, which is the sixth highest and the main reason for their recent progress in this key discipline.

With players at defensive tackle like Daron Payne, Johnny Newton and possibly Jonathan Allen in 2025, the position will continue to remain at an elite level. However, there is no way this defense can enter next season with a starting rotation of Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Cleilin Ferrell, especially given the amount of cap space and draft picks the team has to utilize.

Terry McLaurin needs more help at wide receiver

Terry McLaurin is one of the most popular players in Commanders history and for good reason. However, there is no true WR2 on the team.

Noah Brown is a great WR3, but that’s all. Luke McCaffrey will hopefully develop into the offensive slot receiver for the foreseeable future. Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus are nothing but strong players and could both leave when their contracts expire.

In addition, McLaurin is unfortunately already 29 years old. In a few years, he won’t be the receiver we know and love.

Washington’s front office needs to do its due diligence and find a WR2 to play opposite McLaurin. The draft class is rich with talented receivers, and the 2025 free agent class could boast weapons like Tee Higgins, Amari Cooper and Chris Godwin.

Commanders must strengthen the depth of their line of attack

Was the offensive line an improvement for the Commanders this season? Absolutely. This was ensured by new players like Tyler Biadasz, Nick Allegretti and rookie Brandon Coleman. However, this is still a pressing off-season need.

According to Pro Football Focus, Daniels was pressured on 19.5 percent of his dropbacks and was sacked 29 times this season. He is the franchise. The team must do everything it can to keep him healthy.

There are already a lot of building blocks on the offensive line. Right defenseman Sam Cosmi is an All-Pro talent and should be a cornerstone for the Commanders for years to come. Biadasz has continued to play like a top-10 center. Coleman showed a lot of potential as a rookie and appears to be the left tackle of the future.

Although Allegretti is having a solid performance this season, he is still replaceable if a better option is found. Right tackle is the biggest need on offense as Andrew Wylie hasn’t played at the same level over the last two seasons.

If Peters upgrades the offensive line like he should, Daniels’ promising career will continue to flourish.

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