5 Commanders cuts that feel inevitable before the 2025 season

Increasing competition was a core component of the Washington Commanders' offseason strategy in 2025. Adam Peters retained a lot of his free agents who gave so much to the cause last time around. But the plethora of new additions raise the stakes considerably.

Peters knew what he had to do when the recruitment period commenced. The Commanders reached the final four during a sensational first campaign under head coach Dan Quinn. They found their franchise quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. This perennial struggler was ready to contend, and the general manager pivoted accordingly.

His mindset was more aggressive. Peters had faith in his current group, but that didn't stop the front-office leader from striking with conviction when opportunities arose. There was an onus on surrounding Jayden Daniels with an enhanced supporting cast. Things are looking up, but not everybody will come along for the ride.

With this in mind, here are five Commanders cuts that seem inevitable before the 2025 campaign arrives.

Commanders cuts that feel inevitable before the 2025 season

Sheldon Day - Commanders DL

Adam Peters needed to bolster the trenches on both sides of the football. He saw the Philadelphia Eagles build their Super Bowl success on their offensive and defensive lines. Molding a contender from the inside out has proven incredibly fruitful throughout NFL history. The Washington Commanders needed to follow suit.

Jonathan Allen's release only increased the urgency around the defensive line interior. The Commanders signed Javon Kinlaw in free agency, which should help considerably. Eddie Goldman is a stout run-stopping presence, but he's something of an unknown quantity after missing a lot of football in recent years.

Daron Payne and Johnny Newton should both improve. Jayln Holmes flashed promise in 2024 when called upon and got a new one-year deal for his efforts. The same goes for Sheldon Day, who played 34 percent of Washington's defensive snaps last season when all hope seemed lost.

Day's production was solid if not spectacular. He offers almost nothing from a pass-rushing standpoint. His inconsistencies against the run were more surprising, so a big effort is needed to establish himself all over again throughout the summer.

The defensive line dynamic will be something fans should monitor closely as preparations for the upcoming campaign gather pace. Day has scheme familiarity on his side, but his situation remains precarious. If he cannot shine over Holmes and Goldman, there's a good chance he'll go onto the practice squad or be removed from the equation entirely.

Kevon Seymour - Commanders CB

The Washington Commanders were not going to sit on their hands at the cornerback position this offseason. They needed more in pursuit of counteracting some imposing passing attacks on the 2025 schedule. Adam Peters left no stone unturned in his quest to fortify the unit.

Washington acquired two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones in free agency. Noah Igbinoghene was rewarded with a new one-year deal. The Commanders feel like they have a potential steal on their hands with Trey Amos, who fell to No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft after concerns about a back complication emerged.

Marshon Lattimore is expected to improve with a full offseason to get healthy and become more familiar with Washington's defensive schematics. Mike Sainristil looks like a superstar, so this could be a dynamic fivesome if everyone gets a clear run of good fortune on the health front.

That leaves limited opportunities for others. The Commanders might take six corners onto the 53-man roster. Only one spot is available in this scenario, so it'll be interesting to see who emerges from the proverbial fringes onto the squad.

Kevon Seymour was on and off the squad last season. Unless significant improvements arrive, the chances are high of the same occuring again.

K.J. Osborn - Commanders WR

The Commanders scooped K.J. Osborn off the waiver wire late in the 2024 campaign when Noah Brown suffered a serious internal injury that required kidney surgery against the Tennessee Titans. Fans wondered if he'd be thrown into the fire immediately, but that wasn't the case.

Osborn was nothing more than an insurance policy if another injury befell the wide receiver room. The former Auburn standout was a healthy scratch for the most part. Although talented, the Commanders felt their playoff ambitions didn't need someone who wasn't fully immersed in Kliff Kingsbury's offensive concepts.

Washington wasn't ready to give up on Osborn entirely. He got a one-year deal this offseason to fight for his roster spot. Whether he can accomplish this feat remains to be seen, but it's not costing the Commanders much to find out one way or another.

The Commanders have strength in their wideout unit these days. Terry McLaurin is the undisputed No. 1 option. He's also got a dynamic No. 2 in Deebo Samuel Sr. after Adam Peters secured his services for a fifth-round pick.

Rookie pass-catcher Jaylin Lane looks like a steal. Brown was re-signed. Hopes are high that Luke McCaffrey can increase his influence. Michael Gallup is coming out of retirement to potentially stake a claim. Undrafted free agent Ja'Corey Brooks also fancies his chances of sneaking into roster consideration.

A huge effort is needed from Osborn. But it's a fine-margin situation.

Chris Paul - Commanders OL

Adam Peters wasted no time in fortifying the offensive line this offseason. The Washington Commanders were found wanting in this critical area when it counted. Their protection in front of quarterback Jayden Daniels rightfully got the priority it deserved.

The Commanders' trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil is a game-changer in no uncertain terms. Washington also spent the No. 29 pick on Josh Conerly Jr., who could win the starting right tackle gig immediately if everything goes well over the summer. In an ideal world, this gives Daniels a bookend edge tandem capable of keeping his pocket clean with more consistency.

Losing right guard Sam Cosmi for most, if not all, of the 2025 campaign is a massive blow. The likes of Andrew Wylie, Brandon Coleman, and Nick Allegretti will be tasked with providing interior assurance alongside starting center Tyler Biadasz. The arrival of Nate Herbig also brings intrigue, although he's got his own injury concerns to alleviate.

Cosmi's long-term issue might be Chris Paul's saving grace when push comes to shove. The former seventh-round pick made the squad last season but was a healthy scratch more often than not. His status is shaky at best, so nothing but excellence and supreme consistency will do in pursuit of seeing out the final year of his rookie deal.

Anything less comes with grave consequences attached.

Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB

The Commanders' running back room comes with questions attached entering 2025. Their regression over the second half of 2024 and into the postseason saw fans clamor for change. Adam Peters had a different idea, keeping faith with the options available in the hope they could turn things around.

Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler remain atop the depth chart. The Commanders re-signed Chris Rodriguez Jr. after the 2023 sixth-round pick flashed tremendous promise when given carries. Peters did add one new backfield threat to Washington's options, with seventh-rounder Jacory Croskey-Merritt joining the fold to potentially provide immediate assistance if he transitions smoothly.

Veteran Jeremy McNichols also got a new one-year deal this offseason. The Boise State graduate averaged 4.7 yards per carry last season, and scoring four touchdowns on the ground from 55 touches was another pleasing factor of his overall contribution. However, the player's limitations are there for all to see at this stage of his career.

McNichols is the No. 3 option currently. His status is largely dependent on how quickly Croskey-Merritt picks things up and how many running backs the Commanders take through onto the 53-man roster. If those in power like what they see from the rookie, and Rodriguez takes another step forward, the former fifth-round pick could be on the outside looking in.

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