Commanders Hire GM Adam Peters; What's Next?
The Washington Commanders made the first of several big moves expected to be made this offseason by hiring former San Francisco 49ers executive Adam Peters to be the team's next general manager.
It took less than a week after Commanders managing partner Josh Harris promised a thorough yet swift process and after closing himself into a Miami mansion with advisors Bob Myers and Rick Spielman, they got their guy.
But Washington is far from done, and here's what to watch for next.
August 19, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers vice president of player personnel Adam Peters before the game against the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium. The Broncos defeated the 49ers 33-14.
Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
THE NEXT MOVE
Some were surprised general manager Martin Mayhew wasn't fired along with coach Ron Rivera the day after the Commanders concluded their regular season schedule.
Now, with Peters taking that role and title, the expectation is that Mayhew's time in Washington will come to an end. And that's certainly possible.
But there's a chance Peters keeps Mayhew on staff under a different role. After all, the two have a relationship dating back to Mayhew's days on the 49ers staff as the vice president of player personnel before joining the Commanders.
Even if Mayhew's time comes to a close, it may not be immediate as Peters and his new coach would be wise to use his knowledge of the current roster to help accelerate their grasp of where they want to make moves in the coming months.
SPEAKING OF COACHES
Hiring the next head coach for Washington is going to be priority one, and maybe the first move made by Peters as the general manager (GM).
While Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator remain two of the most popular choices outside the organizations, there's at least one legitimate candidate with direct ties to the new GM.
Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik may only have one season as a coordinator and play-caller under his belt, but he and Peters have years of knowledge about each other.
Slowik went to the Texans just this season with head coach DeMeco Ryans, both coming from San Francisco in the process.
If Johnson and Macdonald are the top two, Slowik should be the third, and may move up.
WHAT ABOUT THE PLAYERS?
Obviously, Peters has a lot to decide before the end of April.
Taking the reigns of the Commanders roster he's got nearly $100 million in cap space, plenty of NFL Draft capital, and the second most valuable pick in this year's selection meeting.
And he's got a solid stable of players to build around including receiver Terry McLaurin, running back Brian Robinson Jr., offensive lineman Sam Cosmi, and defensive lineman Daron Payne.
He's also got a frustrated defensive lineman in Jonathan Allen who may or may not be interested in continuing his journey with his hometown team.
Defensive end Chase Young was traded to San Francisco this season and this won't be the last time you hear speculation about whether or not he and Peters could reunite in Washington.
That being said, we'd be very surprised if Young was open to a return, even if most of the people he might hold ill-will toward are gone.
Outside of Young, quarterback Sam Darnold, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, linebacker Oren Burks, defensive tackle Kevin Givens, and offensive lineman Ben Bartch are all guys that could come over in free agency if Peters signs off on their value to a rebuilt locker room.
