Adam Peters, the newly appointed general manager of the Washington Commanders, has a crucial responsibility of revitalizing the team, and he is likely the best candidate for the job.
Throughout his 21-year career, Peters has achieved success in every role he has played in building franchises. He has demonstrated his talent for identifying exceptional players and has been instrumental in bringing Pro Bowlers and All-Pros to the Patriots, Broncos, and 49ers. Peters’ comprehensive evaluation process and his commitment to sharing a unified vision with the head coach have been key to his achievements. These qualities were highly valued by Managing Partner Josh Harris, leading to an effortless decision to bring Peters on board. However, in addition to his football-related attributes, Peters is renowned for his ability to cultivate relationships with players, coaches, and staff members. While this may not be explicitly mentioned in his job description, it is an important quality that Peters prioritizes.
I believe it is crucial to develop a connection with the individual you collaborate with,” expressed Peters during a recent episode of “Command Center.” “Building trust, fostering a bond, and creating an environment where difficult conversations can take place are essential.
Peters, with his vast experience as an NFL executive, is set to take on a new challenge as he becomes the lead decision-maker for a team with a long and storied history. The Washington franchise has struggled in recent years, and Peters’ expertise will be put to the test as he tries to revive the team. This will require him to look beyond just the numbers and statistics and find the players who fit his vision. According to 49ers general manager John Lynch, this skill will be even more crucial in Peters’ new role. In the past, some general managers may not have prioritized building relationships with players, but Lynch refers to this as an “old school” method that may no longer be as effective in today’s NFL.
However, Lynch disagrees with this approach and believes it is not effective. He prefers to cultivate personal connections with his players in order to establish trust and reliability. According to Peters, this process takes time, but it ultimately fosters a stronger bond and allows everyone to work towards a common goal.
Peters argues that the traditional model of separating personnel and coaches from players is outdated and was never appropriate. He emphasizes the significance of having a close relationship with his players, allowing them to share both the good and bad times together. This, according to Peters, holds great importance for him.
Players in sports are aware of the nature of their profession and how they are evaluated based on their ability to win. They understand that their future is not always within their control. However, they also desire assurance that they are contributing meaningfully to the team’s overall objectives. Peters, on the other hand, takes a direct approach when communicating with players. His straightforwardness is appreciated because it leaves no room for ambiguity, and players appreciate knowing exactly what is expected of them. Lynch believes that this type of communication is crucial and goes a long way in establishing trust and unity within the team.
Peters emphasized the importance of finding a head coach who shares a strong rapport with the commanders. The ability to relate and work well together will be paramount, extending to all interactions within the organization. Peters underscored the need to identify the desired traits and qualities in potential candidates and then select the best-suited individual for the role.
If Peters and the Commanders succeed in finding a coach who can establish strong connections, it will contribute to satisfying one of Peters’ priorities – collaborating with a united vision to enhance the team roster. Luckily, Washington has several resources at their disposal, such as cap space in free agency and a total of nine draft picks, including five within the top 100. In order to accomplish this, constant communication will be crucial among Peters, the head coach, and their staff, allowing them to express their viewpoints on whether a player aligns with their desired strategy.
Peters emphasized that unity is key within the team, stating that when decisions are made, everyone is on the same page. It is not about individual preferences from coaches or scouts; rather, everyone collaboratively works towards making choices as a single unit.
