Veterans deliver advice to Commanders bubble players in final roster fight

For many roster hopefuls, the Washington Commanders' preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens will be the last chance to make an impression on the coaching staff.

NFL cut-down day is an annual reckoning that reveals the harsh realities of the game. Some players suit up for the last time, while others seize a new beginning. In the end, it’s not personal. It’s business.

Many veterans on the Commanders know what it feels like to be cut. After having a prolifi c career, Bobby Wagner was cut from the Seattle Seahawks in 2022.

Commanders players would be wise to heed Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu's advice

“It’s a part of the business. You got to understand there’s 31 other teams looking at you, so even if you don’t make this team, your resume of what you’ve done when you’ve been here, speaks loudly," said the veteran linebacker.

Wagner quickly bounced back, signing with the Los Angeles Rams. After one season, where he finished with 140 total tackles, six sacks, and two interceptions, he was cut again. This time, he ended up in Washington, where he became the voice of the defensive unit.

His advice to the players vying for a roster spot is, "Go out there, put your best foot forward, and see what happens. Whether it’s this team or somewhere else, if you’re good, they’ll find you.”

On the other hand, you have a player like Frankie Luvu, who came into the league as an undrafted free agent. He was waived by the New York Jets during final cuts before signing to their practice squad. A week later, he was signed to the active roster.

Not every player has the same journey. Luvu worked his way up to a starter with the Carolina Panthers before becoming a force for the Commanders last year. He's now a second-team All-Pro and franchise cornerstone.

You can see the joy in his game, and he told those vying for a spot to have fun while they are making their case.

Play your heart out. Leave your last snap, ho w you want to be remembered, kind of leave that resume, for not just this team, but 31 other teams. And just cut it loose. You know, why not? And just have fun at the same time.Frankie Luvu

Cut-down day is challenging, but the Commanders' roster offers a blueprint for how those fighting for a final roster spot can make a name for themselves. Going into the season, the expected running backs for Washington include seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, sixth-round selection Chris Rodriguez Jr., and undrafted free agent Austin Ekeler.

Other players that should be key contributors who, at one point or another, had to prove their worth in the league include Noah Brown, who was a seventh-round pick. George Fant, Andrew Wylie, Tyler Owens, Jeremy Reaves, and Tress Way were all undrafted free agents when they entered the league.

This could be the final day on the Commanders roster for many players, but it doesn't have to be the end of their football journey.

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