The Washington Commanders announced a flurry of roster moves on Tuesday, trimming their roster to the NFL-mandated 53 players. Among the most notable doings was the trade of wide receiver Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles. The roster cuts also saw the departure of several recent draft picks, reflecting significant turnover since head coach Ron Rivera assumed his position.
Heavy Roster Turnover
Rivera's tenure has seen substantial change. Of the 33 players drafted by Washington from 2020 to 2023, only 12 remain. This recent wave of cuts included 2023 picks Ricky Stromberg, Braeden Daniels, K.J. Henry, Chris Rodriguez, and Andre Jones Jr. Out of the seven-player group drafted 16 months ago, only Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Quan Martin are still with the team.
The Commanders currently hold the second waiver claim spot, behind only the Carolina Panthers, which positions them to potentially capitalize on talent made available by other teams' roster reductions. "As the wire comes back out today, obviously the scouting department is the key part of that," noted personnel executive Dan Quinn. "We're always going to make what we think is the best decision for the team."
Roster Breakdown
Washington finds itself equipped with three quarterbacks, three running backs, six wide receivers, four tight ends, nine offensive linemen, nine defensive linemen, five cornerbacks, six safeties, and three specialists. Despite enduring significant cuts, the Commanders have managed to retain a balanced composition of positions. Among the notable cuts were quarterbacks Sam Hartman and Trace McSorley, and running backs Michael Wiley and Austin Jones. Particularly surprising was the release of running back Chris Rodriguez Jr.
The wide receiver group saw the exit of Martavis Bryant, Kazmeir Allen, Davion Davis, Mitchell Tinsley, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, and Brycen Tremayne. Tight end Cole Turner also saw his time with the Commanders come to an end as part of the cuts. In the offensive line sector, Ricky Stromberg, Cameron Tom, and Julian Good-Jones were released. Defensive cuts included K.J. Henry, Andre Jones Jr., Jalen Harris, and Justin Hollins.
Washington's linebacker core also saw changes, with Chapelle Russell and Anthony Pittman walking out the door. Cornerbacks Chigozie Anusiem and Nick Whiteside have also been shown the exit, further punctuating a tumultuous day for many hopefuls. Yet the anchor positions remain largely intact, with defensive tackles Allen and Payne holding their starting roles.
"You feel their intensity, you feel their speed when they play," said Quinn. "The speed, the physicality, the effort, the straining, those are things that are Commander-style plays and I thought those two really represented that." This willingness to embrace younger and newer styles of play may be indicative of the Commanders' forward strategy under Rivera and Quinn.
Moving Forward
With the final 53-man roster now set, the Commanders look eager to start the season with their reconfigured lineup. Only time will tell if these moves, including the slicing away of recent draftees, will pay off on the field. Washington's ability to quickly respond and adapt thanks to their favorable waiver position could prove pivotal as the season unfolds.
As for the running back depth, Bryan Robinson, Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols will lead the charge, providing a blend of speed and reliability. The safety positions are manned by Martin and Jeremy Chinn, offering stability on the defensive end. However, one highlight was both the talent and the character-building philosophy instilled in the team, as echoed by Quinn's reflective words. "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."
The changes are a testament to the Commanders' commitment to not just performance, but the holistic framework of the team. Though the adjustments may appear severe, they could offer a fine foundation for a promising season. As Quinn aptly put it, "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."
With the turbulent roster shakeup now past, eyes will turn to how the team capitalizes on these foundational shifts. The Commanders stand on the precipice of a fresh chapter, one that hangs precariously on the success of these gambles.