Last season, the Washington Commanders were one of the most shocking stories of the NFL. While there was a lot of excitement surrounding the team due to its rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels bringing a ton of hype, the Commanders weren’t seen as championship contenders just yet.
The former second-overall pick emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the game, elevating all of the talent around him and helping the Commanders find major success for the first time in a long time.
With last year’s success comes higher expectations for the 2025 NFL season. In the eyes of the veteran running back Austin Ekeler, the Commanders are built to look like a “powerhouse.”
“I think there’s even going to be more growth this year,” Ekeler said during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, according to Pro Football Talk.
“[It’s] awesome because of where we’re at with our team and have a lot of players back. A lot of playmakers.”
One thing that Ekeler notes is that the Commanders have to take care of their top wide receiver, Terry McLaurin. Throughout the team’s spring sessions, McLaurin skipped out as he’s in search of a new contract from the organization.
McLaurin is slated to make $15.5 million this year. Next season, he’s set to hit the open market, but the veteran isn’t interested in waiting until next year to land a new deal. He wants it now, and he wants it from the Washington Commanders.
Throughout the offseason, core members of the Commanders’ organization have expressed confidence in the team eventually locking in a new deal with McLaurin. Ekeler seems to be in that boat, as he counts McLaurin in for next year’s run, while evaluating a potential improved season for the Commanders.
“Gotta get Terry paid and then, man, we’re gonna look like a powerhouse out there,” the running back finished.
At 29 years old, McLaurin remains one of the most consistent wide receivers in the game. Since he posted 919 yards during his rookie season in 2019, McLaurin has exceeded 1,000 yards every year since. Six years in, McLaurin has 6,379 yards and 86 touchdowns on his resume. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and a Second-Team All-Pro.
As for Ekeler, he’s heading into year two with the Commanders. Last season, the veteran running back played in 12 games. He picked up 77 carries and totaled 367 yards on the ground. He finished the year with four touchdowns in the running game. In the air, Ekeler caught 35 passes for 366 yards.
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