Washington Commanders 2025 Season Preview
NFL teams are set to begin their training camps in just a few weeks. As Brian Schottenheimer and the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the 2025 campaign, we’re breaking down how their division rivals have handled the offseason. Let’s take a look at Dan Quinn’s Washington Commanders as they look to build off an NFC title game appearance.
Here’s what Cowboys fans should know about the Commanders before they open camp:
Can Jayden Daniels Take Another Step Forward?
Jayden Daniels had a pretty impressive rookie campaign, setting multiple records as he led Washington to one of its best outings in recent memory. Now, an important question hovers around the young quarterback: Can he do it again in Year 2?
Daniels notably finished the 2024 season with 3,568 passing yards, 891 rushing yards and 31 total touchdowns. According to one of his veteran teammates, Daniels has gotten a better feel for the game in OTAs (offseason training activities) and minicamp.
“He’s starting to get more comfortable, which allows him to even play mentally faster and make better decisions,” Commanders running back Austin Ekeler recently said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “I think there’s going to be even more growth this year, which is awesome because of where we’re at with our team. We’ve got a lot of players back. Still have a lot of playmakers. Gotta get Terry [McLaurin] paid. And then, man, we’re going to be able to look like a powerhouse out there.”
It’ll be interesting to see if Daniels can maintain his high level of play now that opponents have more film on his skill set.
Wide Receiver Questions
In an effort to maintain their standing as one of the NFC’s top teams, the Commanders made a splashy move this offseason in acquiring receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers. Theoretically, Samuel would be lining up with two-time Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin when the 2025 season begins.
Samuel’s role could be altered in training camp, depending on how things are sorted out with McLaurin’s contract. Washington’s 2024 leading receiver notably missed the team’s mandatory minicamp and is seeking a new deal.
McLaurin is currently in the final year of a three-year, $62.8 million contract signed in 2022. Will McLaurin earn a new deal by the time camp begins? Will Samuel take snaps at WR1 if McLaurin is absent?
Offseason Moves
The Commanders stayed pretty busy in free agency and the trade market. After acquiring Samuel, Washington quickly shifted focus and swung a trade for a five-time Pro Bowler in left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
When it comes to free agency, the Commanders mostly focused on re-signing some of their own veteran playmakers. Among the 2024 Washington contributors to re-sign were RB Jeremy McNichols, LB Bobby Wagner, TE Zach Ertz, P Tress Way, QB Marcus Mariota and WR Noah Brown.
The Commanders also added another former Cowboys player to their ranks, signing receiver Michael Gallup to a one-year deal.
Here’s a look at Washington’s external free agency additions and departures this offseason:
| Additions | Departures |
|---|---|
| CB Jonathan Jones | DL Jonathan Allen |
| DL Javon Kinlaw | S Jeremy Chinn |
| K Matt Gay | DE Dante Fowler Jr. |
| DE Deatrich Wise | OT Cornelius Lucas |
| OG Nate Herbig | WR Olamide Zaccheaus |
| QB Josh Johnson | CB Benjamin St-Juste |
| S Will Harris | WR Dyami Brown |
| DE Jacob Martin | LB Mykal Walker |
| DL Eddie Goldman | S Darrick Forrest |
| OT Foster Sarell |
How Did Washington Approach the Draft?
Picking late in the first round, the Commanders focused on strengthening their offensive line with the 29th overall pick. They selected Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr.
While Conerly started at left tackle at Oregon, ESPN’s John Keim wrote back in April that the rookie could have a shot at playing on the right side of the line. During the team’s minicamp, Tunsil told reporters he was impressed with what he’s seen from Conerly.
In total, Washington made five selections in this year’s draft. Here’s a look at the team’s 2025 draft class:
First round, No. 29: Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
Second round, No. 61: Ole Miss CB Trey Amos
Fourth round, No. 128: Virginia Tech WR Jaylin Lane
Sixth round, No. 205: UCLA LB Kain Medrano
Seventh round, No. 245: Arizona RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt
When Do the Washington Commanders Start Training Camp?
The Commanders are scheduled to open training camp on July 27th at their headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia. Their camp runs through August 10. Washington is also set to participate in a joint practice with the New England Patriots on August 6.
Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion
The Washington Commanders are looking to build off their successful 2024 season, and they’ve made some key moves in the offseason to do so. With Jayden Daniels leading the team, and the addition of Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, the Commanders are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs. However, they’ll need to navigate some questions at wide receiver and on the offensive line to reach their full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Washington Commanders:
Q: Who is the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders?
A: Jayden Daniels is the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders.
Q: Who did the Commanders acquire in the offseason?
A: The Commanders acquired receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers and left tackle Laremy Tunsil in the offseason.
Q: When does the Commanders’ training camp start?
A: The Commanders’ training camp starts on July 27th and runs through August 10.
Q: Who are the Commanders’ key draft picks?
A: The Commanders’ key draft picks include Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr., Ole Miss CB Trey Amos, Virginia Tech WR Jaylin Lane, UCLA LB Kain Medrano, and Arizona RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
