10 massive roster cuts Commanders could steal to ignite title run

Adam Peters made some tough choices, and the Washington Commanders' initial 53-man roster is set. However, it's called an initial squad for a reason.

The next phase for every team around the league is to scour the waiver wire and veteran pool for any possibilities that could improve their chances in 2025. Peters will be no different, although he'll be able to bring back some who didn't quite do enough onto the practice squad.

Several intriguing options could assist in positions of need. The Commanders look a little light in certain areas, which won't go unnoticed by Peters. It's a fluid situation, and the general manager could easily stand pat. Still, fans are eagerly awaiting one of two more acquisitions before preparations for Week 1 against the New York Giants gather pace.

With this in mind, here are 10 newly available roster cuts the Commanders could target before their expected Super Bowl push.

Roster cuts the Commanders could target before Super Bowl push

Commanders could sign Chris Paul Jr.

What's better than one Chris Paul on the squad? Two.

The Commanders' linebacking depth looked suspect throughout the preseason. Jordan Magee endured another injury-plagued summer, and rookie sixth-rounder Kain Medrano is incredibly raw. Ale Kaho made the squad after an impressive offseason. Whether he can impact the defensive lineup is another matter.

Chris Paul Jr. will be a lively option for many teams after the Los Angeles Rams surprisingly waived the second-level presence. He'd had a good training camp, according to reports, but the fifth-round pick this year wasn't taken through onto the roster.

This was an extremely disappointing development for Paul. But when one door closes, another opens. The Commanders could place a waiver claim in his direction, but they would need to get extremely lucky.

Commanders could sign Trey Palmer

Perhaps surprisingly, the Commanders only went forward with five wide receivers. Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Noah Brown, Jaylin Lane, and Luke McCaffrey were the picks, but don't be surprised if Adam Peters finds another at some stage before Week 1.

Trey Palmer fell victim to the wide receiver surplus within the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's got some decent previous production for a sixth-round pick. He's also got the size and physical profile that looks well-suited to Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts.

The Commanders might be content with what they have, especially if the likes of Ja'Corey Brooks and Tay Martin come back onto the practice squad. If Peters decides more is needed, Palmer is an intriguing possibility.

Commanders could sign Robert Woods

As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders only allocated five spots to the wide receiver room initially. But considering their intent to rely more on experience this season, someone like Robert Woods could be an intriguing possibility.

The Pittsburgh Steelers released Woods, but he could still return to the team. His powers have declined in recent seasons, which is unsurprising at 33 years old. However, the former second-round pick is as tough as they come, able to impact proceedings all over the field.

Woods is a Super Bowl champion and a respected locker room leader everywhere he's been. This also fits the ethos of what Adam Peters has sought throughout his second offseason at the helm.

Commanders could sign Beanie Bishop Jr.

Washington only confirmed five cornerbacks on its initial 53-man squad. There is also some doubt about the immediate future of Noah Igbinoghene, who the Commanders were reportedly shopping around the league heading into the cut-down deadline.

Five might be enough, but it might not. Beanie Bishop Jr.'s availability was somewhat surprising after his four interceptions as an undrafted rookie in 2024, but the Steelers' win-now approach with Aaron Rodgers under center and Jalen Ramsey in the secondary left him on the outside looking in.

There is more untapped potential in Bishop; make no mistake about that. But the Commanders won't be alone if they put in a waiver claim.

Commanders could sign Chad Muma

Adding to the linebacking room is something the Commanders should consider. They could easily keep their current options around, but nothing in the preseason did anything to inspire confidence that Washington has enough behind Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner.

Nick Bellore made the squad as a special-teams ace. But if the Commanders want to find someone younger to fill this role who could also potentially impact the defensive rotation, Chad Muma is worth considering.

Muma was a highly-touted college recruit at Wyoming en route to being a third-round pick. He flashed tremendous promise with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but consistency was an issue. However, his exceptional special-teams play probably means he'll get claimed.

Commanders could sign Tyler Huntley

After a less-than-stellar preseason for the two quarterbacks behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota, veteran journeyman Josh Johnson got the nod over Sam Hartman on Washington's initial 53-man roster. But if the Commanders want to take three signal-callers through to Week 1, they have a new QB3 staring them in the face.

Tyler Huntley was never going to make the Cleveland Browns roster. However, his late arrival allowed him a chance to showcase his skills in a typical game-day setting during the preseason, and he performed extremely well.

Huntley has the athleticism to deploy Kliff Kingsbury's scheme effectively if his number is called. And this would be a significant upgrade on Johnson.

Commanders could sign Malachi Corley

Former New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas spent most of his time before Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft trying to trade up for wide receiver Malachi Corley. The wide receiver didn't even make his second campaign with the AFC East club.

Corley never looked like a good scheme fit. The Western Kentucky product gained just three receptions from six targets throughout the campaign, and he was unable to turn the tide under the Jets' new coaching regime.

Perhaps a change of scenery might be enough for Corley to reach new heights. He looks like a good scheme fit for the Washington Commanders, and it's also worth remembering that he only recently turned 24 years old.

Commanders could sign Trent Brown

The Commanders' offensive line looks solid from a starting standpoint, although Sam Cosmi will miss the first four games of the campaign at least as he recovers from a torn ACL. Washington's depth is an issue, which could mean Adam Peters makes a move or two in the coming days.

Trent Brown was a surprising departure from the Houston Texans. He's dealt with some injury issues in recent years, but this is the sort of experienced figure Washington has sought throughout Peters' second recruitment period at the helm.

The Commanders have George Fant and Trent Scott manning the backup tackle spots, with Andrew Wylie expected to slot inside to right guard until Cosmi comes back. Brown could be an upgrade on both if he stays healthy.

Commanders could sign Jalyn Armour-Davis

The Commanders might be satisfied with five cornerbacks. But if one goes down with an injury at any stage, it won't take long for problems to arise.

Adam Peters prepares for everything. He could be looking for another explosive presence with long-term upside in the not-too-distant future. And the general manager could do a lot worse than examine Jalyn Armour-Davis' credentials in greater detail.

Armour-Davis dealt with some injury problems last season and fell victim to the numbers game with the Baltimore Ravens. He's looked healthy all summer, gaining one interception and three pass breakups in the preseason. If he can stay healthy moving forward, there will be interest from around the league.

Commanders could sign Cole Strange

The Commanders don't have a backup center behind Tyler Biadasz as things stand. While the veteran is extremely dependable, he did miss time last season. Finding a contingency plan is imperative, and one intriguing option is newly available.

Cole Strange didn't do enough to make the New England Patriots' squad. He's got experience both at guard and center, which is the sort of versatility that NFL teams always covet lower down the depth chart.

Strange could immediately fill the void behind Biadasz. The Commanders must be ready in case something goes wrong during the campaign. This would be a better option than most available currently.

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