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It looks like the Washington Commanders still have the eye of Brandon Aiyuk, and there’s the hope of Jayden Daniels improving. But there are also three Commanders in danger of getting cut after the team’s 2026 minicamp.
Things start in the backfield, where the Commanders simply have too many bodies. It extends into the wide receiver group with the same issue. And then finally it lands at the edge rusher position.
These are things to ponder for head coach Dan Quinn.
First, let’s look at what McNichols has done in his NFL career. He has been in the league since 2017 and played for the 49ers, Colts, Jaguars, Titans, 49ers (again), and the Commanders. His highest number of touches came last year, when he matched his 2021 total of 69.
But the results simply haven’t been very impressive. McNichols is a below-average reserve. And at age 30, his days in the league are likely coming to a close.
Add in the fact that the Commanders already have a crowded backfield. How crowded? Well, consider that McNichols isn’t even listed on the four-deep chart, according to ESPN. He’s behind projected starter Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, rookie Kaytron Allen, and Jerome Ford. There’s almost no chance of him supplanting one of those guys. And UDFA Robery Henry Jr. has reportedly made some camp noise.
However, McNichols does offer some backup value on special teams. So there’s a small chance he sneaks onto the 53-man roster. But the danger of missing the cut is certainly there.
When the Commanders signed Jefferson, one question needed to be answered: Why? The six-year veteran offers little more than a backup of a backup. If Jefferson is on the field, it likely means the Commanders’ season has gone south.
Jefferson’s career high in receptions is 50. And that came back in 2021 with the Rams. Over the last three years, he’s played with the Rams, Falcons, Steelers, and Titans. There isn’t a solid reason to be excited that he’s in camp.
Sure, a one-year, $1.4 million contract isn’t much of an investment. But the Commanders have younger, and likely better options than Jefferson. The current starters are Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, and rookie Antonio Williams. In the starting mix is Treylon Burks. Behind him are Dyami Brown and second-year player Jaylin Lane. The Commanders also have Jacoby Jones, Nick Nash, Jayden Bradley, and Chris Hilton Jr.
If the Commanders carry six receivers, it’s unlikely Jefferson will be one of them.
Now, it is true that Jefferson has looked decent in camp. He has made some plays. And any time a receiver makes a play, the Commanders take notice. That’s because their overall receiver room is poor. So if Jefferson has a pathway, it’s the athleticism he carries with his 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame.
But there’s another problem for Jefferson. The Commanders could still sign Stefon Diggs or Brandon Aiyuk before the season begins. That’s one less receiver spot on the...
