5 Commanders veterans who could lose their jobs in a hurry at training camp

The action is going to be physical, competitive, and everything in between when the Washington Commanders come together for training camp. And the stakes are higher than they've been in decades.

No longer is this big market franchise considered among the bottom-feeders. The Commanders are not languishing in obscurity or being perceived in a bad light around the league. They are among the Super Bowl favorites and an organization on the up under a much-improved leadership structure.

That brings different expectations and pressure for everybody. It's been a long time since the Commanders were in the limelight for all the right reasons. Players and coaches must put in the required effort to ensure this becomes the start of a prosperous future. Nothing else will do.

Washington's roster looks in better shape. Adam Peters increased standards throughout the recruitment period, making aggressive moves and tying down the large majority of players who gave so much to the cause last season. This was a big plus, but heightened competition for roster spots makes training camp a sink-or-swim scenario for many on the fringes.

With this in mind, here are five Commanders veterans who could lose their jobs in a hurry if the performance levels aren't up to the necessary standards.

Commanders veterans who could lose their jobs in a hurry at training camp

Michael Deiter - Commanders OL

The Washington Commanders' offensive line underwent some positive improvements this offseason. Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. lead the way as the new starting tackle tandem. The arrival of one more intriguing veteran could also shake things up on the interior for good measure.

Nate Herbig missed the 2024 campaign through injury, which ended his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers as expected. The Commanders seemed satisfied enough by his medical assessments to take the plunge, and the versatile piece has his sights set on a key backup role when the 2025 campaign arrives.

Herbig can play anywhere along the interior. Arguably, his best spot is the center position. The Commanders have Tyler Biadasz as their undisputed starter, so that leaves Michael Deiter as a sacrificial lamb if the free-agent signing is as advertised.

Deiter joined the Commanders last year in the same spot as Herbig is now. He was expected to be a dependable depth piece behind the starting five, but he never came close to providing the assured production needed. Getting a new one-year deal this offseason kept continuity, but it would be surprising if he made the squad when push came to shove.

Sheldon Day - Commanders DL

Improving in the trenches is crucial if the Washington Commanders want to topple the Philadelphia Eagles this season. They were found wanting against the division rivals in the trenches and paid a heavy price. That cannot continue if head coach Dan Quinn wants to turn the tide.

Releasing Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was a calculated risk, one that places the onus on others to improve accordingly. Having someone with Javon Kinlaw's size and physicality should help, but it must be a collective effort.

Those further down the pecking order must also contribute when called upon. Eddie Goldman was signed as the run-stopping depth piece. That moves everyone else down, including Sheldon Day, despite the veteran receiving another one-year deal this offseason.

There was plenty to like about Day's efforts last season. His Pro Football Focus grade was the highest of any interior defensive lineman in Washington. That's not exactly a high bar, but it represented a positive step in the right direction nonetheless.

This gives Day a fighting chance of making the team again, but nothing more. Kinlaw, Daron Payne, and Johnny Newton are locked in. Goldman might be too, which leaves perhaps a position or two for others.

That makes Day's situation a precarious one until further notice.

Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB

The Commanders made some impressive additions to their cornerback unit this offseason. Two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones signed in free agency. Washington also spent the No. 61 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft on Trey Amos, who slid dramatically after concerns about a back issue surfaced during his pre-draft medical assessments.

Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore looks explosive and ready to lead the charge after regaining full fitness. Mike Sainristil is the superstar in waiting, and Noah Igbinoghene also got a new one-year deal after demonstrating promise during the previous campaign.

Igbinoghene put together a decent season, by far the best of his professional career so far. But make no mistake, another big effort is needed this time around to keep his place on the 53-man roster.

The former first-round pick out of Auburn is No. 5 on the depth chart as things stand. That could make him a candidate for the roster bubble at training camp, especially if undrafted free agent Car'lin Vigers continues his ascent into roster consideration.

Of all the names on this list, Igbinoghene's removal from the squad would be the most surprising. But that doesn't mean Adam Peters won't cut him loose if performances aren't up to the required standard.

K.J. Osborn - Commanders WR

Many were surprised when the Washington Commanders gave K.J. Osborn another one-year deal this offseason. The wide receiver didn't get a legitimate opportunity to impress after coming into the organization late in 2024. This was no doubt disappointing, but those in power want to see what the veteran pass-catcher can do with a full offseason on the squad.

Osborn has some decent previous production on the Minnesota Vikings. Things didn't go nearly as well with the New England Patriots, but it was clear from a long way out that it wasn't a good fit for either side. The Commanders brought him in as an insurance policy after Noah Brown's injury, but chances were at a premium.

The Commanders didn't sit on their hands where their wide receiver options were concerned this offseason. That makes it more difficult for Osborn to keep his roster spot, especially if the likes of rookie Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey make the required improvements.

It's a fine line between success and failure for Osborn. Terry McLaurin (new contract pending), Deebo Samuel Sr., Brown, Lane, and McCaffrey are locks to make it. One or two spots remain for the rest, so the onus is on Osborn to leave no doubt regarding his outlook in 2025.

Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB

The Commanders' running back dynamic didn't change much this offseason. But if Jacory Croskey-Merritt builds on his exceptional transition over Washington's offseason program, it could shift quickly.

Croskey-Merritt is a seventh-round pick with a potentially bright future. It was a rollercoaster journey to the NFL, but he's eager to make up for some lost time. That should put everyone on edge when training camp commences.

Washington will give everyone a chance to impress. Croskey-Merritt is the new arrival with big ambitions, but he might not unseat the projected starting tandem of Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler just yet. What is more attainable for the rookie is becoming the No. 3 option, which puts Jeremy McNichols' status firmly under the spotlight.

McNichols came into the Commanders last season and performed relatively well when called upon. There was nothing flashy about the way he went about his business, but there was far more good than bad when opportunities came his way.

This was enough for McNichols to get another one-year deal from the Commanders. It didn't come with any guarantees regarding his roster status, so a big effort is needed to improve his chances of keeping Croskey-Merritt below him in the pecking order.

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