Foundation First: Why Veterans Like Wagner Are Central to the Peters Rebuild

Building Through Leadership: How Bobby Wagner and Veterans Anchor Peters' Vision

The Washington Commanders have embarked on a new era under General Manager Adam Peters, and one clear philosophy has emerged: build through leadership. In a recent appearance on the Get Loud podcast, Peters revealed valuable insights into his team-building strategy, particularly his emphasis on retaining veteran leaders.

This approach isn't merely about keeping familiar faces around; it represents a deliberate foundation for sustainable success.

Leadership as Priority One

When examining the Commanders' offseason moves, a pattern emerges. Whilst many NFL teams chase splashy free agent signings, Peters prioritised re-signing key veterans like Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz. This wasn't coincidental, but intentional.

"That was really our priority, to bring our guys back, the guys that we saw as commanders," Peters explained on the podcast. "We targeted a lot of our own free agents because those are the guys that really were the core of how what we did last year."

What makes this approach particularly notable is Peters' clear identification of these veterans not just as talented players, but as cultural cornerstones. Bobby Wagner, for instance, wasn't retained simply for his linebacker skills.

"Bobby's the leader of the team and the quarterback of the defence," Peters stated plainly. This crystallises his view that Wagner's value extends far beyond statistics, representing an extension of the coaching staff on the field.

The Peters Philosophy in Action

This leadership-centred approach reflects Peters' broader team-building philosophy. In his second year as GM, Peters clearly defined what makes a "Commander" player. Though he jokingly referred to the specific traits as a "big secret" during the interview, his actions speak volumes.

Throughout the podcast, Peters emphasised that his most significant learning has been "bringing in great people." He elaborated: "We're not just looking for commanders as players; we're looking for commanders in our front office, on our coaching staff."

This holistic approach to organisational culture suggests Peters' views on veteran leadership as more than a luxury. For a franchise working to establish a winning culture, these veteran leaders serve as vital bridges between the coaching staff and younger players.

The Wagner Effect

Bobby Wagner's impact on the Commanders' defence cannot be overstated. The nine-time Pro Bowler brought instant credibility when he joined Washington last season. After spending a decade with the Seattle Seahawks and a season with the Los Angeles Rams, Wagner's football intelligence and leadership qualities have been transformative.

Wagner's 2023 season with the Commanders showcased his continued elite play. He recorded over 150 tackles, earning him another Pro Bowl selection. Beyond the statistics, his presence was felt in numerous ways, from pre-snap adjustments to mentoring younger linebackers.

Peters recognised this value, making Wagner's return a top priority. "Bringing those guys back and their leadership and not only their leadership but their play on the field," was critical to the team's plans, Peters noted.

Creating Continuity for Quarterback Development

Another fascinating aspect of Peters' veteran strategy connects to quarterback development. In retaining Zach Ertz, Peters specifically mentioned the importance of giving quarterback Jayden Daniels weapons "he knows is going to always be open."

"Giving somebody that, like for Zach's case, a weapon for Jayden that he knows is going to always be open is the quarterback's favourite friend in this league," Peters explained.

This statement reveals another layer to Peters' veteran strategy. Beyond leadership and culture, these experienced players provide stability and reliability for a developing quarterback. This value cannot be underestimated, particularly as Daniels navigates his rookie season.

A Balanced Approach

What makes Peters' strategy particularly intriguing is how it balances veteran retention with strategic additions. Whilst prioritising players like Wagner and Ertz, Peters also made bold moves to acquire players like Deebo Samuel and Larry Tonsel.

Speaking about Samuel, Peters highlighted his familiarity with the player dating back to their time together in San Francisco: "Knowing Deebo since really before we drafted him in San Francisco, we actually coached him at the Senior Bowl too, we got to know him really early and then seeing who he is, how he plays, how he works, what kind of teammate he is."

Peters values players who "lift everybody else competitively on the field." This suggests his veteran strategy isn't merely about age or experience, but about identifying players who elevate those around them, regardless of their years in the league.

Building for Sustained Success

The Commanders' approach under Peters represents a refreshing counter-narrative to the "quick fix" mentality that often pervades NFL team building. Rather than simply accumulating talent, Peters is cultivating leadership throughout the organisation.

"It's a lot slower, a lot less hectic and a little bit more methodical in the way you're doing things," Peters said when comparing his second year to his first as GM. This methodical approach extends to how he views roster construction, choosing to build through leadership rather than chasing headlines.

Perhaps most tellingly, Peters mentioned that these veteran leaders "wanted to be back, which was really neat." This mutual desire suggests Peters is creating an environment where players feel valued beyond their athletic contributions.

The Road Ahead

As the Commanders continue their journey under Peters' leadership, the emphasis on veteran leaders provides a steady foundation. The team is positioned to develop younger talents like Jayden Daniels within a culture of accountability and excellence established by veterans like Wagner and Ertz.

For Commanders fans, this approach should inspire confidence. Whilst splashy signings generate immediate excitement, Peters' deliberate, leadership-focused strategy suggests he's building something sustainable rather than chasing short-term headlines.

The ultimate measure of success will come on the field. Still, Peters' clear vision and methodical execution offer promising signs that the Commanders are building a culture designed for long-term success, anchored by the veteran leaders who embody what it truly means to be a Commander.

This blog post was inspired by Adam Peters' appearance on the Get Loud podcast. The full episode also features discussions about which teams won free agency, a fascinating debate between hosts Fred Smoot and Michael Jenkins about whether interior defensive linemen are more valuable than edge rushers, insights from guest Sean Springs about the Commanders' secondary improvements, and a fun segment where Peters names his top tight ends of all time. Check out the complete interview here: Get Loud Podcast with Adam Peters