The Commanders have new ownership. They'll soon have a new head coach, but they've found a new lead executive to aid in the overhaul, hiring former 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters to oversee the front office, the team officially announced Monday.
Perviously confirmed by CBS Sports Lead NFL Insider Jonathan Jones, the initial decision came days after Washington had reportedly narrowed its search for a new head of football operations between Peters and Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham, who was also interviewed.
Peters, 44, has spent the last three seasons as 49ers GM John Lynch's right-hand man, working for the same San Francisco front office that drafted or acquired key play-makers like quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey. Prior to his promotion to assistant GM, Peters spent 2017-2020 as the team's vice president of player personnel. The 49ers have advanced to three different NFC Championships, as well as one Super Bowl, during his time with the franchise.
"I am incredibly grateful to Josh Harris and the Washington Commanders ownership group for this once in a lifetime opportunity," Peters said in a statement released by the team. "My family and I are thrilled for the chance to be a part of the DMV community and look forward to connecting with such a storied, passionate Commanders' fan base. I am eternally grateful to the York family, John Lynch, Kyle Shanahan and the entire 49ers organization for an amazing experience. Throughout my career in the NFL, I've learned that successful organizations begin with a strong ownership group willing to commit the resources needed to foster a culture of winning. We have that here in Washington and it's my responsibility and privilege to carry out the mission of delivering a team that will ultimately compete for Super Bowls. I know how much the Commanders mean to our fans, our owners, the legends who paved the way for this franchise, and the NFL. The work starts now."
While the Commanders technically still employ Martin Mayhew, another former 49ers executive, as their current GM, Peters will be tasked with organizing the leadership beneath him in the front office. It's possible both Mayhew and former Panthers GM Marty Hurney, who serves as executive vice president of football personnel, could be reassigned roles or replaced.
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Peters brings extensive title-contending experience to the Commanders, who are also in the midst of a coaching search following Ron Rivera's dismissal. Prior to his time with the 49ers, the California native spent eight years with the Broncos, first as a scout and then as director of college scouting, when he helped identify future Denver Pro Bowlers like Justin Simmons and Chris Harris. He began his NFL career as a Patriots scout, serving in that role from 2003-2008, a span in which New England won two Super Bowls.
Peters' background could inform the Commanders' top targets for head coach under new controlling owner Joshua Harris. Washington recently requested to interview Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, for example; Slowik previously spent six years under Kyle Shanahan with the 49ers, joining San Francisco during the same season Peters began working for the team.
