The Washington Commanders officially announced Adam Peters as the team’s next general manager. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Peters signed a five-year deal with the Commanders. He will immediately begin his search for the team’s new head coach.
Peters is considered one of the NFL’s great talent evaluators. He spent the previous seven seasons as an executive with the San Francisco 49ers. He was the assistant GM for the last three seasons under GM John Lynch.
Peters was also in the front office with the Denver Broncos from 2009-2016. He started his executive career with the New England Patriots as a scout after his playing career ended in college at UCLA.
Peters has been a part of Super Bowl runs with the Patriots, Broncos, and 49ers. He was arguably the most sought-after candidate for this year’s GM hiring cycle.
Adam Peters expected to jump into Commanders’ head coach search
He’ll jump right into finding the Commanders a head coach after the team fired Ron Rivera on Jan. 8.
The Commanders are one of seven teams currently with a head coach opening. But, with the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft and nearly $80 million projected in salary cap space this offseason, the Commanders’ head coach opening may be the most intriguing like its GM position. Peters’ hire only increases the value of the Commanders’ head coach job.
Washington’s brass has already started interviews for a new coach with Baltimore Ravens associate head coach/ defensive line coach Anthony Weaver and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. The league allows teams to have virtual interviews, as in-person interviews cannot start until Jan. 22.
Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn reportedly will have a virtual meeting on Thursday. Other rumored candidates included Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, and Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
Once Peters has a head coach, he’ll build his front-office team. He’ll also focus on the second overall pick in this year’s draft. The Commanders expect to draft a quarterback with the pick.
Quarterback prospects Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels appear to be the favorites for Washington’s consideration.
The Commanders also have 26 pending free agents going into the offseason, including safety Kam Curl.
