The Commanders didn’t have nametags when they opened their offseason program on Tuesday, but it might’ve been helpful given the flood of new players, coaches and executives in the building.
Veteran players who spoke with the media Wednesday noted that the Commander’s facility felt like a whole new building with all the fresh faces.
“It’s like you went to a new team,” guard Sam Cosmi said. “It’s definitely a breath of fresh air.”
No team has been as active as Washington this offseason. Owner Josh Harris started the year by hiring general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn to revamp a roster that was among the worst in the league in 2023. The new leadership was busy during free agency, adding 23 new players to overhaul the struggling roster.
“Free agency has been ridiculous,” Cosmi said.
Players said Quinn has brought a new energy to the facility that was palpable from the first meeting. The new coach had players switch seats on Tuesday so they could shake hands and introduce themselves to their new teammates, breaking down the barriers that could otherwise divide holdovers from new additions.
“There is just so much excitement.” said punter Tress Way, the longest-tenured Commander. “With [Quinn], there’s this very special mindset. He’s so authentic the way he’s delivering a message … It’s very impressive.”
Free agent acquisitions raved about Quinn’s reputation as a players’ coach as they joined the team this spring. Multiple players said they were excited to join an organization with a new owner, coach and general manager.
“The energy seems to be really high, which is great because leadership comes from the top down … and you bring players into that that have been around the league that can help spread that culture,” new running back Austin Ekeler said last month. “When you have leadership that comes in and can hold that standard, then you can create a special culture.”
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin has seen regimes come and go. He’s seen four different head coaches and learned four different offenses since joining the team in 2017.
“You’re all starting from the same level. We’re all learning a new offense, new defense. We’re all learning new names, new faces,” McLaurin said. “Everybody gets to start on the same level and build this thing from the ground up.”
The Commanders’ bustling offseason will continue with the NFL draft on April 25. With the second overall pick, Washington is primed to select a highly-touted quarterback prospect in LSU’s Jayden Daniels or North Carolina’s Drake Maye.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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