Although the Commanders' defensive front has been a pleasant surprise this season, Peters is reportedly looking for further reinforcements. This bears more significance on the edge, with Adam Schefter from ESPN revealing that Washington has lined up a meeting with former second-round pick Drake Jackson.
Peters was part of the San Francisco 49ers' front office when Jackson was drafted out of USC. He's been injured for the best part of two years, but the player is looking for a route back into the league after being given the all-clear to resume football activities.
Commanders' path to signing Drake Jackson might be tougher after Ravens trade
The Commanders aren't the only team interested. And a bombshell development around the league could make Peters' task more difficult if he's intent on bringing Jackson into the fold.
According to Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network, the Baltimore Ravens sent pass-rusher Odafe Oweh and a seventh-round pick in 2027 to the Los Angeles Chargers for safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-rounder. The AFC North club is reeling from a sluggish start, and it already looks like they're consolidating as part of their long-term strategy.
They also have room for an extra edge defender now. The Ravens and New York Jets were the other two teams coveting Jackson. While the Commanders are in a much better spot to contend, Baltimore could offer something far more valuable to the No. 61 pick.
Playing time. And lots of it.
That could mean more to Jackson than anything else right now. He needs to string together good games and performances to silence his doubters. The Commanders might not be able to offer that with Dorance Armstrong, Von Miller, and Jacob Martin playing so well. Peters also recently signed Preston Smith to help fill the void left by Deatrich Wise Jr.
The numbers game alone makes the Ravens a more enticing spot if Jackson wants to play immediately. And even though they are sitting at 1-4, head coach John Harbaugh's squad isn't entirely out of the race just yet.
It'll be interesting to see if there will be any ripple effects from this blockbuster transaction. Hopefully, Peters' previous connection to Jackson will help tip the scales if everything checks out on the health front.