Commanders are in a great position to assemble a roster in 2024 after the 49ers’ most recent defeat.

LANDOVER, Maryland — Assume Josh Harris, managing partner, has committed the Washington Commanders to “The Process,” or roster building on steroids, for the upcoming season. Put that away. No imagination is necessary. That was the season of 2023.

It all began in January when head coach Ron Rivera named second-year quarterback Sam Howell, who lacked experience, the team’s likely starter. That persisted even after the team started to falter and after veteran Jacoby Brissett signed.

The Commanders lost 12 of their next 14 games, including their 27-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at FedEx Field on Sunday, after starting the season with two straight victories. They made a wise decision to expedite their current seven-game losing streak when they dealt defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young, two of their star players, for future draft picks in the interim.

It took Washington more than a bushel of losses to guarantee the highest pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It required assistance. It received assistance over a period of weeks. On Christmas Eve, the New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos. The Philadelphia Eagles were stunned by the Arizona Cardinals a week later, resulting in a three-way tie at 4-12. Cheers to a prosperous new year.