Here is how Adam Peters‘ first Commanders offseason concluded. The Commanders are moving on from a 2023 Day 2 pick; their roster is now at 53.
Released:
- C Cameron Tom
- DE Justin Hollins
- QB Trace McSorley
- CB James Pierre
- S Sheldrick Redwine
Waived:
- WR Kaz Allen
- CB Chigozie Anusiem
- S Kendell Brooks
- CB Tariq Castro-Fields
- T Braeden Daniels
- WR Davion Davis
- G Julian Good-Jones
- DE Jalen Harris
- QB Sam Hartman
- DE K.J. Henry
- DE Andre Jones
- RB Austin Jones
- CB Kyu Blu Kelly
- DT Haggai Ndubuisi
- T David Nwaogwugwu
- LB Anthony Pittman
- DT Benning Potoa’e
- RB Chris Rodgriguez
- WR Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint
- LB Chapelle Russell
- T Armani Taylor-Prioleau
- C Ricky Stromberg
- WR Mitchell Tinsley
- WR Brycen Tremayne
- TE Cole Turner
- CB Nick Whiteside
- RB Michael Wiley
- CB AJ Woods
Placed on reserve/PUP list:
- DE Efe Obada
Placed on IR:
Placed on IR/return designation:
- LB Jordan Magee
This represents an early exit for Stromberg, whom Washington drafted in last year’s third round. The former No. 97 overall pick only played in four games as a rookie, logging just 26 offensive snaps. Washington brought in ex-Dallas center Tyler Biadasz this offseason, and the team also kept four guards on its 53-man roster. Other personnel staffs around the league may be intrigued here, as this is a quick hook for a Day 2 O-lineman.
Five of the seven Commanders 2023 draftees are part of this cut continent, with Daniels, Rodriguez, Henry and Andre Jones joining Stromberg in being waived. Daniels, a fourth-rounder, spent last season on IR. Rodriguez, a sixth-rounder, rushed for 247 yards. Jones (Round 7) played 171 defensive snaps, while Henry (Round 5) started three games and registered 1.5 sacks. It will be interesting to see if any of these second-year players end up on Washington’s practice squad, as this does not reflect well on Ron Rivera‘s final draft in charge — especially after the team just traded 2022 first-rounder Jahan Dotson to a division foe.
The Commanders attempted to trade both Turner and defensive tackle John Ridgeway, per the Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala. The latter ended up making the team. Magee suffered an MCL injury recently. While it required surgery, the rookie fifth-rounder is not expected to miss the full season. He already counts toward the Commanders’ eight injury activations, however. The Hartman and McSorley cuts leave only Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota on the 53-man roster.
That looks rough, but I’d like to see how this organization does first, and also see if the players don’t contribute elsewhere, before labeling the final draft as inept. Chances are that it was, but a lot of organizations will simply remake a roster that they inherit as well. I have some healthy skepticism, I don’t expect any of these cut players to end up stars, to put it bluntly. I just think that it could premature to say that these players all were useless just based off being cut by a new regime. I’d also like to see how successful this Washington staff is, as well.