Adam Peters is still trying to put together an acceptable contract offer that works for wide receiver Terry McLaurin. But the Washington Commanders general manager has some crucial roster decisions upcoming with final cuts on the not-too-distant horizon.
Training camp is in full swing. Preseason games and joint practices are upcoming, which represent a good measuring stick for the Commanders to determine the fate of some who have their respective futures hanging in the balance.
There will be no sentiment whatsoever attached to the team's decision-making process. And for one multi-purpose weapon, his status is becoming increasingly precarious.
Kazmeir Allen could be the odd man out in Commanders' offensive dynamic
The competition for places is fierce. This bears more significance in the running back room, although Peters didn't do much to fortify the unit during a busy second recruitment period at the helm.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will lead the charge. They have experience and proven production, but they will both need to improve to get new deals from the franchise next spring. And then, there's the presence of seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt to factor into the equation.
Croskey-Merritt has blazed a trail from the moment he joined the organization. He's flashed exceptional promise, which could lead to rotational involvement right out of the gate if he passes some difficult upcoming tests with flying colors.
That doesn't bode well for anyone else looking to make the roster. Kazmeir Allen is among them, but it's looking unlikely that the dual-threat out of UCLA is going to find his name on the final 53-man squad.
Allen has versatility. He can play at running back or wide receiver with minimal fuss. The elusive former undrafted free agent is also a dynamic kick returner. Unfortunately, the Commanders have a few others capable of picking up the slack in that regard.
Ekeler, Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, Jeremy McNichols, and even Deebo Samuel Sr. have all been getting looks in the return game at training camp. Allen won't be giving up without a fight, but it's clear that he's further down the pecking order than ever before.
There's a chance Allen can stick around on the practice squad, as he's done for the last couple of years. That represents the best-case scenario. A bold yet attainable objective for the third-year pro, even though he'd probably like something more substantial.
How Allen performs in the preseason will ultimately determine his fate. But from the outside looking in, he faces a significant fight to change the narrative.
