The Washington Commanders are just one season removed from being NFC East champions. Their roster is decent and has a few stars but won't get anywhere without an upgrade at one key spot.

Washington head coach Ron Rivera explained to The Athletic's Ben Standig that the team is positioned to offer a star quarterback a good chance to compete in the playoffs. He previously noted that the world-champion Los Angeles Rams were built by significantly upgrading the position on a team that is good in other areas.

“For the most part, (the Bucs and Rams) were in place and went and got their quarterback,” Rivera said. “I believe we have the makings of a good football team. We have to be able to have the pieces in place to say that, and I believe we do.”

The Commanders don't have the level of talent that those teams did but they do have several promising players. They have a chance to be a strong defense behind Chase Young and Jonathan Allen. They also boast plenty of offensive weapons like Terry McLaurin, Antonio Gibson and Logan Thomas as well as a solid offensive line highlighted by Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff.

Rivera's take seems like a clear sign that Taylor Heinicke's time as Washington's quarterback is over. The 28-year-old was not cut out to be a long-term option. With Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson seemingly available via trade, the time is right for the front office to strike a deal.

Although Young, Thomas and starting linebacker Jonathan Bostic are coming off of injury-plagued seasons, the Commanders could return to the playoffs with some savvy offseason moves.