4 winners (and 3 losers) from chaotic Commanders training camp

The Washington Commanders had momentum firmly on their side entering this summer's training camp after a remarkable 2024 campaign. It was an intense few weeks for all involved, even if it became more chaotic than usual for reasons outside of Dan Quinn's control.

There were a lot of distractions. Quinn navigated them successfully enough, but it's clear that the strain had taken a toll on the head coach. One big cloud hung over the franchise throughout, and some concerning injury issues meant significant adjustments were needed to keep things ticking over.

Although that raised doubts, there were some enormous positives to take from camp. The rookie class looked good, and some newly acquired veterans also made their presence felt. Washington's spirit and camaraderie remain extremely strong, which should help them cope with some stern upcoming challenges with a bigger target on their back.

Some difficult decisions are upcoming for Quinn and general manager Adam Peters. Trimming the roster to 53 players is always one of the toughest parts of the NFL calendar. But whoever goes through onto the Commanders' squad will deserve their place after laying the ri ght foundations at camp.

With this in mind, here are four winners and three losers from Washington's training camp in 2025.

Winners and losers from chaotic Commanders 2025 training camp

Winner No. 1

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB

It became hard to ignore the momentum building around Jacory Croskey-Merritt very early in the offseason. The seventh-round running back came into the Washington Commanders with lofty ambitions and a huge chip on his shoulder. His transition was seamless, which led to a seismic shift from general manager Adam Peters.

The Commanders are looking to trade Brian Robinson Jr. If they cannot find a willing suitor, last year's starting backfield option will be released. This was somewhat surprising, but it's a testament to how well Croskey-Merritt and others have performed.

Croskey-Merritt's roster spot is secure. That represents a significant achievement when one considers how much football he's missed over the last year. Tempering expectations initially would be wise, but there is nothing to suggest he cannot become a feature on offense as the season progresses.

The former Arizona and New Mexico standout emerged as one of camp's most heart-warming stories. And the best part? Croskey-Merritt isn't satisfied, which is the right attitude to have as he looks to become one of the draft's great steals.

It's still early days, but the hype train has already left the station where Croskey-Merritt is concerned. Long may it continue.

Loser No. 1

Jordan Magee - Commanders LB

Jordan Magee's offseason has followed a similar pattern to his first with the Washington Commanders. The athletic linebacker built some significant momentum over early workouts, with defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. proclaiming his desire to get him more involved in the rotation. Unfortunately, this positivity was halted by injury once again.

Magee missed a large portion of training camp due to an undisclosed issue. The Commanders were right to err on the side of caution with the player, but he's once again missed valuable reps both in practice and preseason games.

Whether this alters the Comma nders' strategy with Magee remains to be seen. Getting him back to 100 percent is the primary objective. After that, the coaching staff will probably bring him along gradually before his confidence increases.

It's not ideal, but Magee needs to display the correct resolve. And when he gets the all clear to resume football activities, he's got to hit the ground running.

Winner No. 2

Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR

All eyes were on Deebo Samuel Sr. following his high-profile trade to the Commanders. Criticism was fierce and unfair around the wide receiver after the move became official, but the former second-round pick is well on his way to emphatically silencing doubters.

Samuel showed up to camp in shape and fully focused. His speed and explosiveness were nothing short of outstanding. The wideout's chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels blossomed without Terry McLaurin. That's the biggest silver lining above all else regarding his holdout.

After hearing all the hot takes and backlash, Samuel is letting his football do the talking. The South Carolina product is as advertised, and he'll be tasked with huge responsibilities from the moment he steps onto the field in a competitive setting. Judging by his camp showing, putting together a bounce-back campaign looks more than feasible.

And if this scenario comes to fruition, sending a fifth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for Samuel will be a mas terstroke.

Loser No. 2

Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR

Hopes were high heading into the summer that Luke McCaffrey could finally break out and firmly establish himself as an important part of Washington's passing attack. There have been a few flashes once again, but the consistency remains subpar.

McCaffrey was always going to be a work in progress. He converted to the wide receiver spot from quarterback in college, but his athleticism was enough for the Commanders to use the No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft to secure his services.

The Rice product got plenty of reps but very few targets last season. McCaffrey needs to show more in Year 2, and concerns are starting to emerge about whether he'll be on the fringes once again.

Deebo Samuel Sr. and Jaylin Lane moved ahead of McCaffrey in the pecking order. The fact that he was a non-factor in Washington's first two preseason games only raises more doubts around his outlook.

Winner No. 3

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

Jayden Daniels didn't get much work during the preseason. Everyone knows what the dynamic quarterback can do, which he put on full display throughout another impressive training camp.

The Washington Commanders will be relying heavily upon Daniels once again in 2025. He's the franchise player. He's the relaxed, cold-blooded killer on the field who everyone willingly follows into battle. More importantly, his extra knowledge of the schematic concepts and overall confidence were notable.

Daniels just looks like a superstar. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft didn't have some of his top playmakers for most (or all) of camp, but it didn't matter. He was his typical clinical self, challenging his teammates to be better and getting a positive response.

The Commanders will only go as far as Daniels takes them next season. Judging by the way he performed and conducted himself over camp, another huge campaign is in the offing for one of the game's elite talents.

Loser No. 3

Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR

Training camp came and went without Terry McLaurin on t he practice field. His contract standoff with the Commanders shows no signs of concluding successfully. And the situation is becoming increasingly demoralizing for all involved.

McLaurin skipped the first few days of camp before returning, albeit on the physically unable to perform list. He's ramping up his recovery from a supposed hamstring issue, but the wideout's reported contract demands remain a major stumbling block.

Fans are tired of this ongoing saga that's been a dark cloud hanging over training camp. Dan Quinn's frustrations were obvious in front of the media this week. There's nothing he can do; it's just a case of letting the business side play out before hopefully getting McLaurin back into the fold.

Just when that'll be is anyone's guess. Both sides are dug in, so the next step for McLaurin would be sacrificing game checks.

That's not going to happen.

Winner No. 4

Trey Amos - Commanders CB

The Commanders thought they had something special in rookie cornerback Trey Amos from early on. Adam Peters couldn't believe his luck when he was there for the taking at No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. It's not hard to see why.

Amos was projected as a first-round pick by most analysts, but a back issue during his pre-draft medical assessments saw the player's stock crash. The Commanders kept faith with the defensive back, and they must love what he's brought to the table so far.

The former Ole Miss standout was exceptional in coverage throughout camp, immediately winning the starting boundary job opposite four-time Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore. This is a lot to put on a rookie, but Amos looks more than ready for the moment.

If the same trend continues into the regular season, Amos will quickly emerge as one of the draft's biggest steals. Something that will greatly benefit Washington's secondary along the way.

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