ESPN reveals 3 key questions Commanders must answer to take next step

The Washington Commanders are hoping to remain a contender next season, but they have work to do.

Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) walks off the field after losing the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders may not have expected to make it all the way to the NFC Championship, but that didn't take out the sting from their elimination.

The Commanders want to make it further next season, and in order to do that, they have to be honest with themselves when rebuilding the team.

ESPN writer John Keim lays out three big questions that the Commanders need to ask themselves this offseason.

READ MORE: Saints job was Kliff Kingsbury's for the taking but he chose Commanders, Jayden Daniels instead

How will they build around Daniels?

Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

"Daniels was named the NFL's offensive rookie of the year and finished seventh in the MVP voting in 2024. A franchise that couldn't solve this position for decades appears to have finally gotten it right. Daniels threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns; he rushed for 891 yards and six more scores," Keim writes.

If the Commanders can build a strong offense around Daniels, they may be relevant for the next decade or so.

How will they spend in free agency?

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris in attendance of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

"Washington enters the offseason with the third-most available cap space in the NFL -- at approximately $70 million. The Commanders trail only New England and Las Vegas. Peters has repeatedly said that free agency is where a franchise should fill needs and the draft is where it must build the foundation of the roster," Keim writes.

The Commanders are an extremely attractive free agency destination, but which players will be intrigued to go to the nation's capital?

Which players will they retain?

Dec 15, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) looks on against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

"Washington will need to decide which veterans to retain. While some league sources wonder what Wagner -- who turns 35 in June -- has left, the Commanders valued him not only for what he added on the field but also in the locker room. He developed a strong bond with Daniels and quickly became a respected leader," Keim writes.

With nearly 30 free agents, the Commanders should look very different next season, but they will have to do a lot of negotiating with players who deserve raises after a successful 2024 campaign.

READ MORE: Commanders could have free agency competition for Jeremy Chinn

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

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