Former Washington Commanders defensive end Clelin Ferrell Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Commanders' ruthless rebuild ends the road for failed first-rounder

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Ryan McCafferty | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 2:29 PM ET

The Washington Commanders have been busy narrowing down their available roster slots before the cut-down deadline. Most of the early moves were predictable, but it didn't take long for the first surprise to emerge.

Clelin Ferrell, the former No. 4 overall pick, will be looking for a new home once again if he has any chance of prolonging his NFL career. The Commanders released the defensive end following a series of impressive new arrivals to the trenches this year.

Ferrell was part of Peters' mass spending spree in the 2024 free agency class, immediately after assuming the role of Commanders general manager. A number of his moves for veteran pieces panned out, such as linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, tight end Zach Ertz, running back Austin Ekeler, safety Jeremy Chinn, and defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., all of whom played significant roles in leading Washington to the NFC Championship game.

Commanders gave Clelin Ferrell a fresh start, and he wasn't able to make the most of it

Others, meanwhile, left more to be desired. Ferrell was thrown a lifeline after four underwhelming seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders and another with the San Francisco 49ers. He was mildly productive in 2024 with 3.5 sacks, but it wasn't the breakout that Washington was hoping for in his high-volume role.

Over the offseason, the Commanders added even more veterans to their defensive line, most notably Deatrich Wise Jr., who replaced Ferrell as the starting defensive end. The late summer addition of Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller, who'll play a decent amount of snaps on the edge, also cut into the former first-rounder's playing time.

Still, most expected Ferrell to at least make the Commanders' roster as a depth piece who could step up if called upon. But he didn't leave a positive impression throughout the preseason, forcing Peters to make a tough call.

It's hard to determine what Ferrell's release says about the rest of the roster. Whether an unexpected defensive lineman or linebacker will make the squad remains to be seen. Washington could also be creating more room at a different position. But for the Clemson product, it might just be the death knell for his NFL career.

It's often said, "three strikes, and you're out." The Commanders were Ferrell's third opportunity in the NFL, and he has struck out.