5 immediate moves Dan Quinn should make for Commanders to remain Super Bowl contenders in 2025

The Washington Commanders concluded one of the greatest single-season turnarounds in NFL history. Under the leadership of head coach Dan Quinn, they tripled their win count and went from the dregs of the league to NFCCG finalists in the span of just over twelve months.

But remaining a Super Bowl contender is harder than becoming one. It involves a litany of moves that must be perfected for the goal to be attained.

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5) Stabilize the kicker position

Zane Gonzalez, Washington Commanders v Dallas Cowboys (Source: Getty)

One of the most underappreciated gems in the Commanders' roster is punter Tress Way, the team's current longest-tenured player at eleven seasons and counting and the franchise leader in punting yards. But the kicker position has been a carousel ever since Dustin Hopkins' departure, and that was most prevalent in 2024.

They began with Cade York, who was ditched after missing two field goals in the season-opening loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Austin Seibert took over the following week against the New York Giants and scored a franchise-record seven field goals - all the Commanders' points in that game, in fact. A hip injury led to Seibert being replaced by Zane Gonzalez, who lasted all the way until the NFCCG.

Moving forward, Dan Quinn needs to work with special teams coordinator Larry Izzo and general manager Adam Peters on how best to gain stability at one of football's most underappreciated positions.

4) Bolster the secondary

NFC Divisional Playoffs: Washington Commanders v Detroit Lions - Source: Getty

Multiple defensive backs, including starters Noah Igbinoghene and Jeremy Chinn, are set to be free agents once the new league year begins in March. Should any or even all of them decide to leave, then Quinn has to know which pieces best fit.

Mike Sainristil proved himself a revelation as a rookie, starting all but one game and nabbing six interceptions, two of them returned for a touchdown. Marshon Lattimore is a veteran leader with playoff experience who can maintain the winning mentality, and free safeties Percy Butler and Quan Martin could share the field for the first time in their careers.

3) Find more linebackers

NFC Divisional Playoffs: Washington Commanders v Detroit Lions - Source: Getty

Bobby Wagner was the linchpin of the Commanders' defense - as cerebral in stopping plays as he was during his days with the Seattle Seahawks. He will also be a free agent and the team has to act accordingly.

But fortunately, at least one person is guaranteed to stick around: breakout pass-rusher Frankie Luvu, who had a career-best eight sacks. Now the race is on to find more cohorts for him.

2) Commit to a TE of the future

Washington Commanders v New York Giants - Source: Getty

Zach Ertz was phenomenal in 2024, starting all 17 regular-season and four playoff games and was his team's second-leading receiver. But if he leaves or even retires, there is no obvious candidate to succeed him.

Ben Sinnott has the most potential, being a fellow second rounder. However, he played only sparingly. John Bates saw more snaps but seems better fit to be more of a run blocker given his larger frame. And UDFA Colson Yankoff may find more value on special teams.

1) Get a potent partner for Terry McLaurin

NFC Championship Game: Washington Commanders v Philadelphia Eagles - Source: Getty

Terry McLaurin could be the next great wideout in the District, having established himself as a beacon of hope during the franchise's years in the wilderness that was Dan Snyder's ownership. But as the Philadelphia Eagles have shown, having a co-star matters in today's pass-happy NFL.

Noah Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown all took their turns; but if Dan Quinn is wise, then he should aim for someone like Tyreek Hill or Davante Adams.