9 players the Commanders must target after 2024 final roster cuts

The Washington Commanders finalized their initial 53-man roster for the 2024 season. However, that's not set in stone by any stretch of the imagination.

General manager Adam Peters will be examining the newly released options around the league to see if there are possibilities to help this franchise improve in 2024. The Commanders have some weak links they need to address. They also have questions about depth - especially on the offensive line. Expect to see some transactions in the coming days before attention turns to Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Washington has plenty of salary-cap space and sits at No. 2 on the waiver wire priority order. This looks like a good opportunity for Peters to strengthen the ranks with quality players who didn't quite make the grade elsewhere. He won't sign players for the sake of it, so finding the correct characters who can fit into the team's new way of thinking is crucial.

With this in mind, here are nine players the Commanders could sign after final roster cuts around the NFL.

Players the Commanders could sign after 2024 final roster cuts

Commanders could sign Kyle Hergel

The Washington Commanders aren't exactly blessed with the greatest depth along their offensive line. Their starting five looks pretty solid after some useful additions through free agency and the draft. If one of them went down with an injury at any stage, that's when problems could emerge.

Chris Paul and Michael Deiter endured an inconsistent preseason but still made the team. Recent draft picks Braeden Daniels and Ricky Stromberg weren't as fortunate. That's about all the Commanders have on the interior, so it would be a huge surprise if Adam Peters didn't address this need with another understudy.

Someone like Kyle Hergel might come into the equation. The offensive guard played well for the New Orleans Saints over their preseason slate and is still young enough to develop further. There are risks attached and he's not the finished article, but the former Boston College standout has some nice traits to work with.

Fans were shocked when those in power waived him intending to bring the rookie back onto the practice squad. Hergel put out enough good film over New Orleans' warmups to catch on elsewhere.

Commanders could sign Noah Brown

After trading Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Washington Commanders could use another dependable wide receiver capable of helping rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels hit the ground running. Adam Peters has confidence in the options available after all shone at various stages during the summer. That should not prevent him from examining upgrade possibilities.

Someone like Noah Brown, for example.

Brown performed well on the Houston Texans last season but fell down the pecking order thanks to the abundance of weapons at the AFC South team's disposal. Trading for Stefon Diggs was the final nail in his proverbial coffin. But there should be plenty of interest from elsewhere looking at his age and ability to make tough catches in big moments.

The former seventh-round selection out of Ohio State spent time with Dan Quinn on the Dallas Cowboys, which provides the Commanders with useful inside intel ahead of a potential move. With his 6-foot-2 frame and outstanding body control, he'll catch on somewhere else. If he ends up in Washington, the scope to improve further with Daniels under center is evident.

Commanders could sign Keenan Isaac

The Commanders still have concerns about their cornerback options. That wasn't going to change during final roster cuts. It could alter depending on what options general manager Adam Peters targets from the increased crop of options available.

Michael Davis, second-round rookie Mike Sainrtistil, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., and Benjamin St-Juste seem like a starting quartet. Peters shouldn't settle with his current options in such a key position group. Someone with the credentials of Keenan Isaac could be of use if the Carolina Panthers don't get in there first holding the No. 1 waiver wire priority.

Isaac performed well as a rookie for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on special teams. The former Alabama State star was exceptional in the preseason from a coverage standpoint, but it wasn't enough to get an extended stay. The 6-foot-3 defensive back has the size and athleticism normally associated with Dan Quinn players in the secondary, so this could be a good fit.

Peters should know more is needed. Whether Isaac becomes a legitimate option or not is another matter.

Commanders could sign Terrace Marshall Jr.

After failing to find a willing trade partner, the Carolina Panthers opted to release wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. He turned in a starring performance once again throughout the offseason and flashed moments of promise during preseason involvement. Unfortunately, he fell victim to the numbers game and was moved on.

Marshall was desperate for a fresh start. He handed in a trade request last season after becoming frustrated by his usage under Frank Reich. Despite having every athletic intangible needed to become productive, the former second-round selection out of LSU hasn't put everything together as yet.

Players with Marshall's physical attributes always get a second chance. The Washington Commanders could take a flier on him and hope this summer's been the start of a more prosperous future rather than more fool's gold. However, he's got ties to the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills, so it'll be interesting to see where he ends up.

Another stumbling block for Marshall centers on special teams. He doesn't offer much in this discipline, which is always essential for those further down the pecking order.

Commanders could sign Geron Christian

Adam Peters didn't think much of those drafted by previous head coach Ron Rivera looking at his actions since becoming general manager. However, could the new front-office leader bring in someone who started his career with the Washington Commanders before becoming surplus to requirements?

Geron Christian is the topic in question. The offensive tackle is a physical specimen who's bounced around the league since his departure from Washington after the 2020 season. He didn't do enough to make the Tennessee Titans' roster despite a strong offseason. His production as a starter for the Cleveland Browns last time around didn't exactly set the world alight, either.

This would be a surprising development. Christian is experienced and was a respected member of the locker room during his time in D.C. Not many who played with him are still around. Peters is also looking forward, not back on retreads who didn't make the most of their first go-around with the franchise.

It seems unlikely all things considered. But nothing can be completely dismissed.

Commanders could sign Russell Gage

The Commanders will be looking for another wide receiver. Finding the right one that fits into Kliff Kingsbury's offensive schematics is the tricky part, but there are some decent options available after final cuts saw good players become available who didn't quite make the grade elsewhere.

Russell Gage is a potential candidate that warrants further discussion. The dynamic pass-catcher was released by the Baltimore Ravens but enjoyed the best seasons of his professional career working with head coach Dan Quinn on the Atlanta Falcons. He's not the flashiest player. That said, he's a dependable weapon who can make things happen with the football in his hands.

Gage will likely draw interest from a few teams, which complicates matters given he's a vested veteran rather than someone the Commanders could pick up off the waiver wire. With 244 receptions for 2,491 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns over his five-year career, Washington could do far worse than examine his prospects in greater detail.

One could make a strong case for Gage being an upgrade over Byron Pringle, who made the team but still faces an anxious wait for any potential incomings.

Commanders could sign Isaac Ukwu

There was one major surprise at edge rusher for the Commanders during final cuts. Those in power opted to waive K.J. Henry, who was ascending and shone during the preseason once again. Adam Peters reportedly wants to bring him back onto the practice squad, but the former Clemson star is likely going to get another opportunity elsewhere looking at his 2023 production and improvements throughout the summer.

The Commanders thought it was the right thing to do, which is fine. Henry was also a Ron Rivera draft pick, something Peters has been eager to remove as part of his newfound way of thinking. Washington seems happy enough with its pass-rushing options currently. That shouldn't stop the general manager from improving the team if the right opportunity presents itself.

Isaac Ukwu was lauded for his work ethic and adjustment to the pros this offseason. He gained three sacks for the Detroit Lions over the preseason and is a certainty to land on their practice squad if he clears waivers. The Ole Miss product is a little raw technically. At the same time, his physical attributes are absolutely off the charts is everything comes together.

This could be another athletic edge presence for the Commanders. However, they might be content with what they have for now and focus their attention elsewhere.

Commanders could sign Josh Ball

The Washington Commanders didn't spring many surprises at the offensive tackle spots. Andrew Wylie, third-round rookie Brandon Coleman, Trent Scott, and Cornelius Lucas seemed locked in from a long way out. This could be the chosen quartet for Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when it's all said and done.

For now, at least.

The Commanders should not settle, especially where depth is concerned. Taylor and Scott remain vulnerable until further notice. This will be dependent on whether Adam Peters can find any viable alternatives from the waiver wire or the veteran pool in the coming hours.

Josh Ball's performances during the preseason leave reasons for encouragement. He played at left tackle, right tackle, and right guard, so there's position versatility attached. He was especially effective on the blindside, not giving up a single pressure.

The former fourth-round selection spent last season on injured reserve but knows Dan Quinn from their time together on the Dallas Cowboys. Providing everything checks out on the health front, this could be a potential option for the Commanders and an upgrade to their backup options.

Commanders could sign Kene Nwangwu

Having an explosive kick returner is going to be crucial this season. The NFL's new kickoff rules benefit the return team if they have the necessary weapons. Although the Commanders tried out several candidates for the role throughout their offseason preparations, nobody truly stood out.

Looking at the team's initial 53-man roster, it seems like Noah Igbinoghene, Jamison Crowder, and perhaps Byron Pringle could be their kick return candidates. Kazmeir Allen got countless opportunities but didn't show enough. The trio boasts experience. However, they lack legitimate dynamism capable of creating wow plays.

That's where Kene Nwangwu comes in. The running back and return specialist was a surprising cut by the Minnesota Vikings during their roster trim-down. He'll be a hot commodity on the waiver wire after accumulating 1,997 kick return yards and three touchdowns from 68 attempts over three seasons.

Nwangwu also took a 99-yard effort to the house as a rookie, which won't have gone unnoticed by others. The Commanders could make room for a player like this if they're not entirely convinced with what they have right now.

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