In need of major changes, Commanders finally get it right with GM hire

Peters, whose hiring was reported Friday, has been a part of building winning football teams in New England (2003-08) and Denver (2009-16), where he worked as a scout. The 49ers hired him in 2017 as their vice president of player personnel, and he was promoted to assistant GM in 2021.

The Patriots and Broncos won Super Bowls while Peters was in those organizations. Some notable draft picks under Peters' watch in San Francisco include tight end George Kittle, LB Fred Warner, WR Deebo Samuel and QB Brock Purdy — all outside the first round. While Peters served in San Francisco, the 49ers appeared in Super Bowl LIV and are considered a title favorite this season.

The Commanders hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and five picks overall in the top 100. They also have the most salary-cap space available (roughly $86 million), so the front office has the ammo to revamp a team that finished 4-13 in 2023.

Peters is also expected to play a major role in hiring Washington's next coach, perhaps current Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is linked to the opening. The 37-year-old is perhaps the most coveted young coach on the market, just as the 44-year-old Peters was considered among the top GM candidates.

At the very least, Peters' hiring proves owner Josh Harris is not messing around. He wants to build a winner in D.C., starting now.