Commanders 'contenders again' in these latest NFL power rankings

The Washington Commanders had a mission entering the offseason: get younger and faster. That's what GM Adam Peters said in January at the season-ending press conference. It wasn't lip service from Peters, who has signed 12 outside free agents, most of whom are younger and faster than the players they replaced.

Mission accomplished. The Commanders attacked multiple positions, especially on defense, where Washington was arguably the NFL's worst in the second half of last season. Peters signed edge rushers Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu, while adding linebacker Leo Chenal and safety Nick Cross, among others.

These players, particularly Chenal at linebacker, make Washington much faster than previous seasons. The Commanders also made some moves on offense, adding three running backs behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt, including Rachaad White, and brought back wide receiver Dyami Brown. The biggest move on offense was signing former Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo to a three-year deal.

Okonkwo fives Washington something it has lacked at the position, and should be a prime weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels. It's almost unanimous: the Commanders have had a strong offseason so far. Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated recently released his post-free-agency power rankings , in which he says "Commanders are contenders again," ranking them 13th.