Instant success might not happen for the Washington Commanders in 2024. The bar isn’t high for improvements, but fans can relax safe in the knowledge this is not the same organization that spiraled into oblivion throughout the two-decade reign of Dan Snyder.

Josh Harris’ ownership group had a blank canvas to work with once the 2023 season concluded. They decided to gut the entire infrastructure – starting with previous head coach Ron Rivera after four years. This was essential to provide new general manager Adam Peters with the power needed to implement his way of thinking with the full support of those who wrestled the Commanders from Snyder’s grasp.

Peters had been waiting a long time for an opportunity, spurning several legitimate offers to remain with the San Francisco 49ers. This project is something the progressive executive had his eye on and planned accordingly. He hit the ground running upon taking the job, decimating the front office and playing personnel to give the Commanders a fighting chance of becoming a force again in the coming years.

Dan Quinn is the guy chosen to spearhead this exciting project from a coaching standpoint. In a recent survey courtesy of Ben Standig from The Athletic, one unnamed NFL agent believes he’s the perfect hire to shift the culture. However, he acknowledged there is a lot of hard work ahead before Washington can return to its rightful place among the league’s elite.

“The front office and coaching needed seismic changes. They were wise in free agency and drafted a quarterback (Jayden Daniels) at two. I do not see immediate success, but adding the required building blocks has begun. Dan Quinn is the perfect hire as head coach for the needed culture change. I love the pairing with (GM Adam) Peters. They have so much work to do beyond football.”

– NFL agent via The Athletic

Agents around the league also have a high opinion of Peters for the sterling work accomplished this offseason. He’s just starting in the top job, but there’s a growing sense around the league that the Commanders made the right hire thanks in no small part to the eye-catching additions made to Washington’s front office team.

“Look at his time with the 49ers and the start with Washington. They’ve already done an excellent job flipping around the scouting department. Just having a scouting structure is something that Washington hasn’t had for about 20 years. … No GM is the sole evaluator of a team.”

– NFL agent via The Athletic

Peters hasn’t been erratic or made any rash moves to announce himself on the NFL stage. He’s been part of winning franchises before and knows what it takes to build a sustainable contender. Some were expecting a bigger splash, but he’s strengthened the roster across the board without jeopardizing Washington’s financial flexibility in the coming years.

Again, that’s a far cry from the way Snyder went about his business. The list of big names acquired on ridiculous contracts was lengthy under his ownership. Very few, if any, panned out.

The Commanders are on the right path to prosperity. Regardless how how things unfold during the 2024 season, everyone can be thankful for that.

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