Hogs Haven
The Washington Commanders roster cuts started yesterday with six players getting waived. The names started pouring in this morning as the team worked its way through 32 more players to get to their initial 53-man roster. Washington will have their eyes on other teams’ cuts, potential trades, and of course filling out their 17-man practice squad with players that can develop and contribute this year.
Washington made 38 roster moves today to get their roster to the 53-man limit. Jayden Daniels is the franchise quarterback with Marcus Mariota backing him up. Josh Johnson made the team as QB3 over Sam Hartman, but Washington could be looking to upgrade that spot after an uneven preseason.
The Commanders kept 5 wide receivers on the roster, with Terry McLaurin the clear leader in the group. Noah Brown has been sidelined with a knee injury, but is on track for Week 1. Deebo Samuel Jr was added via trade, and opens up the offense. The Commanders drafted Jaylin Lane in the 4th-round this year, and are high on him as a WR and PR. Luke McCaffrey was a third-round pick last year, but he’s rounding out the bottom of a WR room that could add another face after waivers.
Washington kept four tight ends, with veteran Zach Ertz topping the list. John Bates got his contract extension this year, and has been one of the best blocking TEs in the NFL. Last year’s second-round pick Ben Sinnott joins Colson Yankoff as depth again this season.
The offensive line has gone through more changes in OL coach Bobby Johnson’s second year with the team. The Commanders traded for LT Laremy Tunsil and drafted RT Josh Conerly Jr in the 1st round. This moves Brandon Coleman over to RG, and last year’s LT is learning a new position in his second year. Tyler Biadasz returns at center but the depth is shaky behind him with Michael Deiter getting released. Andrew Wylie was the RT last year, but he’s likely depth this year with Nick Allegretti switching guard spots until Sam Cosmi returns from ACL surgery. Cosmi was placed on the Reserve/PUP list is has to miss at least the first four games of the season. Dan Quinn was impressed with Chris Paul this offseason, and talked about the fourth-year OLs versatility.
On defense, Washington continues to anchor their defensive line with Daron Payne, but his long-time teammate Jonathan Allen is now with the Vikings. Javon Kinlaw was the big FA signing on defense, and he looks to live up to his potential on another new team. Jer’Zahn Newton was drafted in the 2nd round last year, and he’s looking to show more after his rookie season started with foot surgeries. The Commanders signed Deatrich Wise Jr, Von Miller, and Jacob Martin in free agency, and they’re both going to play big parts on the DL this year. Dorance Armstrong returns, but Clelin Ferrell isn’t getting a second chance after dealing with a knee injury all last...
