Washington Commanders managing partner Josh Harris met with the media last week — one week removed from the Commanders’ loss to Philadelphia in the NFC championship.
First, seeing Washington’s owner meet with the press and answer questions is refreshing. While Harris can’t possibly answer every question, he’s always open, such as when he shut down the talk of another potential name change.
Outside of the name, the most significant takeaway from Harris’ media session was him discussing the team’s future, beginning with this offseason.
No one expected the Commanders to finish 12-5 and win two road playoff games in 2024. We’re sure that general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn were more confident than those on the outside, but even they had to be surprised by such immediate success.
A primary reason for that success was rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels broke records, put the team on his back, and earned the respect of his coaches, teammates, and opposing teams.
Now, the challenge is improving the team around Daniels. Daniels’ phenomenal ability hid some of Washington’s flaws, primarily on the offensive line. The good news for the Commanders is they have close to $80 million in salary cap room for 2025.
“Yeah, we have a massive opportunity, and you know, none of us are taking that lightly,” Harris said. “We’re all fully committed to continuing to build our team and be elite over the long term, right?”
Peters, Quinn, and Harris know that Washington is in an enviable position for the next few years, with Daniels on a rookie contract. That allows them to be more aggressive. How aggressive? Harris wasn’t ready to say.
“Obviously, we understand that contract and those dynamics, and so, like I said, where we can find players that fit us and that we think are going to bring it, we’re going to go after them,” Harris said. “I don’t know how that translates to aggressiveness and free agency where Adam and Dan are hard at work and they’re going to advise me on that. But certainly, we’re going to do everything we can to improve our team.”
Harris will not reveal any strategy, but he clearly hints at being aggressive. We’ve already heard the Commanders potentially being leaked to Browns defensive end Myles Garrett — if he’s made available. Garrett seemed open to the idea of joining Washington.
The Commanders enter the offseason in a great spot for the first time in a long time. They have their quarterback, a competent GM and a head coach. It should be a fun offseason.