Why Commanders will contend for Super Bowl for long time

The Washington Commanders will be flirting with Super Bowl contention for a while.

Jeremy Brener | Feb 18, 2025

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates in the closing seconds of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders had an excellent start to the Jayden Daniels era this past season, but there's reason to believe it is just the beginning for the franchise.

NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks believes that the Commanders are one of eight teams with the widest Super Bowl window at this moment in time.

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

Commanders can stay at the top

"The presence of the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year gives the Commanders a puncher's chance against any opponent. Though Jayden Daniels' magical debut season and run to the NFC title game must be kept in perspective, the Washington star undeniably showed he is a playmaking wizard with the talent and tools to elevate the team around him," Brooks writes.

"With $75 million of projected salary-cap space at the Commanders' disposal, Daniels could enter 2025 with a more dynamic supporting cast. Washington can morph from a surprising upstart into an NFC heavyweight by adding speed and explosiveness on the perimeter and bringing in bullies at the point of attack.

"The veteran-laden defense flourished in Dan Quinn's first season, but the unit needs reinforcements to upgrade the speed and athleticism along the front seven. Veterans -- and pending free agents -- Dante Fowler Jr. and Bobby Wagner were essential to the team's playoff run in 2024. Still, the Commanders could climb higher on the ladder of contention with an upgraded roster."

The Commanders need to attack what's in front of them, but being in position to rise to the top is half the battle, and that's been conquered. Now, it's about walking the walk and following through.

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

More Washington Commanders News

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• NFL executive slams Commanders, praises Jayden Daniels

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Published Feb 18, 2025

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.