Before we look forward to the Washington Commanders' initial 53-man roster, we must take a look back at the year so far, even though no one should ever have to endure such a tragedy.
New general manager Adam Peters really didn't like the roster he inherited from the previous regime led by former coach Ron Rivera. Washington retained several of the team's free agents during the offseason, mostly reserves and players on the fringes of the roster. Some holdovers were released this summer, but the cleanup was stepped up on Tuesday.
The Commanders cut their roster from 90 players to 53 (not including members of the International Pathway Program) by the league's 4 p.m. deadline, by releasing a ton of players they'd acquired over the past four years, with more players on the way. Washington sits second on the league's waiver wire, which opens at noon Wednesday, and it's not going to sit back and watch.
The lack of players in recent draft selections highlights the lack of talent in the roster before Peters began building his team.
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2020 — 0 of 8 candidates remain
Yes, all eight picks are gone, but that reality happened in free agency. Washington traded first-round defensive end Chase Young, who had already declined his fifth-year option, before last season's deadline. Two of the class' most notable picks, running back Antonio Gibson and safety Kamren Curl, signed with other teams this year. Another pair, offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles and wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden, also retired.
2021 — 6 of 10 countries remain
This class is the best yet, even though first-round draft pick Jamin Davis is transitioning from linebacker to edge rusher. Sam Cosmi has also switched positions, but the right guard has adjusted well and become a Pro Bowl candidate. Cornerback Benjamin Saint-Juste, tight end John Bates and wide receiver Diami Brown are all expected to play key roles.
2022 — Four of eight companies remain
The new team traded quarterback Sam Howell to Seattle in March and then this month for 2022 first-round draft pick receiver Jahan Dotson. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. is the team's remaining main roster.
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2023 — 2 of 7 remain
This is the original draft bust. Two of them! That's hard to do in just one year. The top two picks, cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and safety Quan Martin, avoided the bloodbath. Forbes was coming off a tough rookie season but showed signs of growth in training camp.
Sure, the entire 2020 class is on a different team, but that group had bona fide starters, contributors and a Defensive Rookie of the Year. 2023 fourth-round draft pick Braden Daniels could have been waived last year before landing on season-ending injured reserve. Seriously, woof.
Following the announcement on what is considered the worst day on the NFL calendar, coach Dan Quinn reevaluated some of Washington's selections, including past draft picks.
“Now that I've taken this job, these guys are my guys. I've got a connection with a lot of these guys,” Quinn said. “I'm only interested in what's best for the team.”
The roster overhaul extends to the entire list of players remaining for 2023.
Between active players, injuries and practice squad players, just 23 players remain from last year's team. From that group, eight starters (including specialists) return: Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Terry McLaurin, Robinson, St. Just, Tres Way, Cosmi and Andrew Wylie.
That's the standard Peters and Quinn faced when they joined the team this year. No wonder they signed enough outside free agents to fill the 9:30 Club and coveted nine picks in this year's draft. Naturally, all nine of those picks made it into those first 53. And yes, quarterback Jayden Daniels will be making his Northwest Stadium debut.
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Quarterback (3)
Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Jeff Driskel
Prediction — Same
Whether it's because Mariota battled a groin injury the final two weeks of training camp or because Driskel's aggressive nature earned him favor with the staff, Washington kept the three. We'll see if there's any competition for the primary backup position.
Sam Hartman injured his shoulder in the preseason opener and missed the next two games, and his absence may have led the front office to believe no team was interested in acquiring the former undrafted Notre Dame star.
Running back (3)
Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols
Prediction — Michael Wiley beats McNichols, Kazmere Allen
The staff chose a more experienced player (McNichols) over a flashier option (Wiley, Allen). It makes sense that a rookie quarterback will take snaps, but McNichols hasn't been involved in the offense since 2021. The veteran played three games with the 49ers last season. This marks an official reunion with Washington running backs coach Anthony Lynn, who held the same position with San Francisco in 2023.
Wide Receiver (6)
Terry McLaurin, Diami Brown, Olamide Zaccheus, Luke McCaffrey, Byron Pringle, Jamison Crowder
Prediction — Non-Crowder
After posting the article, I regretted not including Crowder's minutes. Washington tried to find a game-breaker at the return job, but none showed up. Crowder should keep his punt return role and provide another slot target after trading Dotson. Look for Pringle as a kickoff rotation and outside receiver. There's still not enough room. Two tall wide receivers, Brycen Tremaine and Martavis Bryant, are practice squad candidates.
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Tight End (4)
Zach Ertz, Jon Bates, Ben Synnott, Colson Yankoff
Prediction — Yankov misses
Jankov's athleticism, length, demeanor and special teams ability were a perfect fit for the Commanders' roster construction. Washington tried to trade Cole Turner, but the market wasn't there for a fifth-round pick in 2022. Sitting behind the other three would give Jankov time to learn the intricacies of the position after playing quarterback, wide receiver and running back at UCLA.
Offensive Line (9)
Cornelius Lucas, Andrew Wylie, Brandon Coleman, Trent Scott, Nick Allegretti, Sam Cosmi, Tyler Biadasz, Michael Deiter, Chris Paul
Prediction — Same
Don't write this group off until the waiver process is over. Paul has done a great job at guard and tackle and Scott has the experience, but Washington is looking for offensive line reinforcements. The biggest boost coming into Week 1 is the return of Coleman, the potential starter at left tackle, after missing the entire preseason with a shoulder/pectoral injury.
Defensive End (9)
Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell, Javonte Jean-Baptiste, Jamin Davis, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Jonny Newton, John Ridgway III, Fidarian Mathis
Prediction — KJ Henry beats Mathis
Davis' transition from linebacker to edge rusher was difficult at first and continues to be. In addition to his obvious athleticism, the 2021 first-round draft pick's willingness and hard work to change positions won him important voices on the team. Henry's release was the biggest surprise. But based on league sources' assessments, the problem is that while he has good size and strength, he lacks the ambition and flexibility required for the position. In the end, Davis and Jean-Baptiste were a better fit for Quinn's scheme.
Both Ridgway and Mathis remain on the reserves. Multiple league sources said Newton's status (soft-tissue foot injury) may have been a factor in the Commanders trading for Ridgway. The Commanders also placed defensive end Efe Obada (leg) on the physically unable to play list and linemen Norell Pollard and Taylor Stallworth on season-ending injured reserve.
The original 53 members
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 27, 2024
Linebacker (5)
Frankie Love, Bobby Wagner, Michal Walker, Dante Fowler Jr., Dominique Hampton
Prediction — Same (with Jordan McGehee)
McGee (knee) was placed on IR with a return designation following meniscus surgery. No other linebackers are left and the recovery timeline for this outstanding rookie should get him ready to return in Week 5, so I look at that as a win. The Commanders have Fowler (defensive end) and Hampton (safety) listed as linebackers, so we will too. Keeping Walker instead of Anthony Pittman is to ensure there is a proper third linebacker behind Louv and Wagner.
Cornerback (5)
Mike Sainristil, Benjamin Saint-Just, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Michael Davis, Noah Igbinoghene
Prediction — Same, plus Chigozie Anusiem
The challenge with selecting a sixth cornerback is that none of the options have disappointed this summer. Washington waived Anusiem because of concerns about his defensive range, despite giving him $300,000 in guaranteed money and a $50,000 signing bonus as an undrafted free agent. Tarik Castro-Fields' energy made him a likely roster choice, but so far it hasn't been enough.
Safety (6)
Jeremy Chin, Quan Martin, Percy Butler, Jeremy Reeves, Tyler Owens, Darrick Forrest
Prediction — Same without forest
It's a shame they didn't follow the KISS theory, because the simple, foolish thing to do would have been to keep Washington as a solid top safety, and that's what they did. Forrest played well this summer, but seemed to lag behind the others in the group judging by his usage early in camp before missing a few days with an injury. Moving Hampton to linebacker essentially added a position. Owens' explosiveness as a hitter and runner on special teams has transformed him from an undrafted free agent candidate into a roster lock.
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Specialist (3)
Cade York, Tres Way, Tyler Ott
Prediction — Same
York made all of his kicks against the New England Patriots, including both field goals he attempted after being traded to the Cleveland Browns. Washington could certainly acquire a kicker off waivers, but the 2022 fourth-round draft pick is likely to see more time.
Practice squad
The Commanders can sign 16 players after waivers end Wednesday, but with offensive lineman Hagai Ndubuisi exempt as a member of the league's International Pathway Program, they will have 17. Players that make sense for Washington to bring back include Hartman, Wiley, Bryant, Tremaine, Julian Good-Jones, Henry, Anoussiem and Castro-Fields, but Henry is arguably the best player to acquire.
(Photo of Percy Butler and Jamin Davis by Rich Schultz/Associated Press)
