The Washington Commanders, like all NFL teams, faced the formidable challenge of trimming their roster down to the mandated 53 players, a task completed by Tuesday. This year's cuts were particularly notable due to several high-profile and surprising decisions, both in terms of player trades and releases.
Trading Talent
One of the most impactful moves was Washington trading wide receiver Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles. This trade sent ripples through the league as Dotson was expected to be a key playmaker for the Commanders. However, it underscores the team's ongoing strategy of aligning their roster with their long-term vision.
Head coach Ron Rivera has made it clear that decisions are made with the best interests of the team at heart. Dan Quinn, during his analysis of the roster changes, stated, "We're always going to make what we think is the best decision for the team. That's our obligation. There's no 'ours' or 'theirs,' or any of that kind of good stuff. 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."
Significant Cuts
The roster cuts also affected numerous recent draft picks, including Ricky Stromberg, Braeden Daniels, K.J. Henry, Chris Rodriguez, and Andre Jones Jr. The decision to release these players signifies a shift, given that only two players from the seven drafted 16 months ago—Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Quan Martin—remain on the team. Moreover, out of the 33 players drafted during Ron Rivera's tenure from 2020 to 2023, only 12 are still on the roster.
The Commanders currently have a robust roster comprising three quarterbacks, three running backs, six wide receivers, four tight ends, nine offensive linemen, nine defensive linemen, five cornerbacks, six safeties, and three specialists. Notable cuts included quarterbacks Sam Hartman and Trace McSorley, along with running backs Chris Rodriguez Jr., Michael Wiley, and Austin Jones. Wide receiver cuts featured names like Martavis Bryant, Kazmeir Allen, Davion Davis, Mitchell Tinsley, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, and Brycen Tremayne. Tight end Cole Turner was also among the casualties, and on the offensive line, Ricky Stromberg, Cameron Tom, and Julian Good-Jones were released.
On the defensive end, K.J. Henry, Andre Jones Jr., Jalen Harris, and Justin Hollins were left off the final roster. Linebackers Chapelle Russell and Anthony Pittman, as well as cornerbacks Chigozie Anusiem and Nick Whiteside, were also released. Despite these extensive cuts, stalwarts like defensive tackles Allen and Payne continue to secure their positions as starters, bringing experience and stability to the team.
Assessing the Waiver Wire
With the second waiver wire claim spot, just behind the Carolina Panthers, the Commanders are in a strategic position to scout for players who might fit their evolving roster needs. As Dan Quinn noted, "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." Indeed, the forthcoming days will likely see further adjustments based on the talent available through the waiver wire.
Quinn further elaborated on the typical nature of these roster changes during this period, saying, "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."
Core Players Remain
The Commanders seem focused on maintaining a core group of players that exemplify the team's desired play style. As such, key individuals like Bryan Robinson, Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols lead the running back corps. Safety remains a strong point with Martin and Jeremy Chinn forming a reliable duo. Reflecting on these players, Quinn remarked, "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."
Despite the challenges and some unexpected decisions, the Commanders' roster appears geared for competitive performance this season. Through astute moves and strategic planning, they aim to build a cohesive and formidable team, ready to take on the rigors of the NFL.