The Washington Commanders have made significant changes as they adjusted their roster to the mandated 53-player limit by Tuesday, setting the stage for the upcoming NFL season. With a series of trades and cuts, the team aims to refine its squad under the strategic guidance of head coach Ron Rivera.
Major Trade and Roster Cuts
One of the most notable moves was trading wide receiver Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles. This trade marks a significant shift in the Commanders' offensive lineup, especially with the team only retaining six wide receivers post-cut. Among those no longer with the team are Martavis Bryant, Kazmeir Allen, Davion Davis, Mitchell Tinsley, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, and Brycen Tremayne.
The Commanders' cut list also included several recent draft picks. Fresh off the draft board, players like Ricky Stromberg, Braeden Daniels, K.J. Henry, Chris Rodriguez, and Andre Jones Jr. are no longer part of the roster. This decision highlights the team's commitment to finding the right group of athletes who mesh well on and off the field.
From the cohort drafted 16 months ago, only Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Quan Martin remain, emphasizing the volatile and highly competitive nature of NFL team rosters. In fact, of the 33 players drafted by Washington from 2020 to 2023 under Rivera's tenure, a mere 12 remain with the team.
Determining the Best Roster
Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn acknowledged the challenging process of making roster cuts. "We're always going to make what we think is the best decision for the team. That's our obligation," Quinn said. "Like once I was here, I connected with lots of players here. So yeah, no looking at it as anything other than just do what we need to do best for the team and really that's where it starts and ends."
Quinn also highlighted the role of the scouting department as the waiver wire decisions loom. "As the wire comes back out today, obviously the scouting department is the key part of that, of assessing a player that may be on another team that gets released and a current player on our team," he explained.
He further elaborated on the typical nature of these decisions around the league: "It's pretty normal around the league this year at this time that a lot of these conversations and things happen. And quite often, you look at some players that never end up making it on the waiver wire. I think we'll have a better assessment for that as we head into tomorrow afternoon and the days ahead."
Current Roster Configuration
The latest roster comprises three quarterbacks, three running backs, six wide receivers, four tight ends, nine offensive linemen, nine defensive linemen, five cornerbacks, six safeties, and three specialists. Notably, players like quarterbacks Sam Hartman and Trace McSorley and running backs Michael Wiley and Austin Jones were among those cut. Tight end Cole Turner also found himself on the chopping block, alongside offensive linemen Cameron Tom and Julian Good-Jones.
On the defensive side, the team released figures such as linebackers Chapelle Russell and Anthony Pittman, cornerbacks Chigozie Anusiem and Nick Whiteside, and defensive tackles Jalen Harris and Justin Hollins. This leaves stalwarts like Allen and Payne as starting defensive tackles, with Martin and Jeremy Chinn forming the robust safety duo.
Sticking to Commanders’ Style
Despite these cuts, the ethos of the Commmanders remains strong. Quinn remarked on the perseverance and characteristics that define Washington's play style: "You feel their intensity, you feel their speed when they play. The speed, the physicality, the effort, the straining, those are things that are Commander-style plays and I thought those two really represented that."
The Commanders’ present running back lineup is led by Bryan Robinson, Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols, focusing on balancing the offensive momentum through a dynamic rushing game. Meanwhile, Lucas, who missed significant time due to unspecified tightness, remains an integral component as he works towards full recovery.
Looking Ahead
With the second waiver wire claim spot, just behind the Carolina Panthers, the Commanders have the opportunity to add more talent to their roster as other teams finalize their cuts. This positioning can prove advantageous for Washington as they seek to strengthen their squad even further before the season kicks off.
The trimming down to 53 players is never an easy task, but it is essential for shaping a winning team. While many player movements have taken place, the Commanders aim to forge ahead with a roster that embodies resilience, skill, and the crucial “Commander-style” traits needed for a successful season.