Preparations for the 2025 campaign are about to gather pace. Phase Three of the Washington Commanders' offseason program gets underway next week, with organized team activities representing another chance for players across the board to stake a claim.
Adam Peters worked hard to mold a roster capable of mounting another deep postseason run in 2025. The Commanders have placed a lot of faith in veteran players with proven production. Their young core will help, but Washington is betting on experience to win the day once again.
That was a recipe for success last time around. Peters increased competition for places, which should make everyone better. The stakes are higher for some, so hitting the ground running when things get more intense is crucial.
Peters will be keeping a close eye on developments. If the coaching staff isn't suitably impressed, the front-office leader could take decisive action. That sounds drastic, but the Commanders have no room for passengers in their quest to dethrone the Philadelphia Eagles.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who could vanish from the 2025 roster if they don't deliver at OTAs.
Commanders who could vanish from the roster if they don’t deliver at OTAs
Michael Wiley - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders' running back room didn't get much attention from general manager Adam Peters this offseason. He kept faith with the options available. Only seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a new addition, which represents a huge vote of confidence in those who contributed during the previous campaign.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will lead the charge. Jeremy McNichols could be the No. 3 option if Croskey-Merritt takes a little longer to impose himself. Chris Rodriguez Jr. was re-signed this offseason, but whether he can force his way into the team's plans remains to be seen.
That's five running backs ahead of Michael Wiley currently. The former Arizona standout shone during the preseason last year but didn't do enough to make the 53-man roster. He stayed around on the practice squad and got a reserve/futures deal when the 2024 campaign concluded. Even so, he faces a monumental fight to alter perceptions.
Unless Wiley capitalizes on every carry coming his way over Phase Three of OTAs, the Commanders could let Wiley take his chances elsewhere. Even if he sticks around for the summer, the chance of him surging into roster consideration appears remote.
Chris Paul - Commanders OL
Adam Peters prioritized offensive line reinforcements throughout another eventful offseason. Getting better in the trenches was a primary goal successfully achieved by the Washington Commanders, which should enhance quarterback Jayden Daniels' hopes of ensuring his rookie season becomes the start of something special.
Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. are the bookend tackle tandems. There will be shuffling around on the interior with right guard Sam Cosmi on the shelf, but the depth looks much improved compared to the previous season.
Considering how Chris Paul was used sparingly last season, that doesn't bode well for his chances of seeing out the final year of his deal. The former seventh-round pick made the team last summer but was a healthy scratch more often than not. He didn't log an offensive snap all season and just 30 on special teams. That spoke volumes.
Paul must improve drastically to get another go-around in 2025. There isn't much to suggest he can impact the rotation based on his previous production. A slow start at OTAs might come with grave consequences attached.
The onus is on Paul to deliver the goods. Gone are the days when he was seen as an intriguing development project. He's firmly on the fringes for a reason.
Bobby Price - Commanders CB
The Commanders' cornerback room got the attention it deserved this offseason. Adam Peters knew there were some imposing passing attacks on the 2025 schedule and reacted accordingly. They now have five decent options capable of rising to the challenge when called upon.
Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Noah Igbinoghene, free-agent signing Jonathan Jones, and second-round pick Trey Amos will make the roster in 2025. That leaves opportunities limited for others, but Bobby Price at least has some familiarity on his side in pursuit of making the roster.
Price is a solid veteran. He bounced between the roster and practice squad last season, appearing three times. That won't come with any guarantees about his status moving forward, so it'll be interesting to see if he can build on last season's experiences.
Much will depend on how many cornerbacks the Commanders take through onto the roster. If the number is six, then that leaves one spot. Washington might take seven, but there's just no telling for sure.
The former Norfolk State standout has the size typically associated with defensive backs in Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s system. But anything less than an imposing OTA contribution will see him fall further down the pecking order.
Andre Jones Jr. - Commanders OLB
The Washington Commanders have some questions to answer in their edge-rushing unit this offseason. Adam Peters made some slight tweaks, but not enough to diminish fans' concerns. And considering the high-stakes attached next season, they cannot afford to have even the slightest weak links.
There are options for Peters if he decides more is needed. The Commanders have enough spare cash to splash on another veteran or two if the right opportunities present themselves. That'll push others further down the pecking order, so a huge effort is needed for some to turn the tide.
Andre Jones Jr. is one of them. The former seventh-round selection didn't make the roster last season but got a reprieve on the practice squad. He logged just 17 defensive snaps throughout the campaign, gaining one tackle. That doesn't exactly scream confidence in his capabilities from the new regime.
Jones signed a reserve/futures deal this offseason, but there are no guarantees. Unless the required improvements arrive — starting with OTAs before going to mandatory minicamp and training camp — he might not last much longer.
At the same time, there is a chance for Jones to catch the eye enough to raise his status on the depth chart. But everything has to go well for that scenario to become reality.
Jacoby Jones - Commanders WR
It's hard for undrafted free agents to establish themselves. Not impossible by any stretch, but standing out over early workouts is the only way to provide the correct foundation.
There is typically an adjustment period. The difference between college and the pros is vast. It's a cutthroat business with grown men vying to keep their jobs from the latest crop of rookies looking to make their case. Some make it, but the large majority often fall by the wayside.
The challenge awaiting Jacoby Jones this offseason cannot be overstated. The former UCF star was scooped up quickly by the Commanders after failing to hear his name called during the draft. He's got some likable qualities, but Washington massively upgraded its wideout corps throughout Adam Peters' second recruitment period at the helm.
Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, and rookie Jaylin Lane are locks to make the team. Michael Gallup might too, after coming out of retirement. K.J. Osborn, Mike Strachan, and Ja'Corey Brooks will also fancy their chances. That leaves little room for someone like Jones, whose production in college doesn't exactly indicate a seamless transition is in the offing.
Unless Jones makes a couple of standout plays at OTAs, his time with the Commanders could be short-lived.
