Benjamin St-Juste and 4 Commanders whose time in Washington is coming to an end

The Washington Commanders might be going through a concerning slump right now. However, it's been a long time since this perennial bottom-feeder had seven wins at this stage of the campaign.

It's important to have perspective. Expectations rose to a level the Commanders couldn't manage in Year 1 of this rebuild. That'll be disappointing for fans dreaming of a postseason run, but it's a sign that things are progressing quicker than anticipated.

General manager Adam Peters has a lot of hard work ahead. He left a tremendous impression over his first recruitment period at the helm. If he can find the right pieces during the 2025 offseason in problem position groups, the Commanders should continue their rapid rise back to the NFL's top table.

Some will be around to assist with this ambitious project. Unfortunately for others, they'll be moved on with little fanfare attached after failing to meet specific targets throughout the campaign under new head coach Dan Quinn.

With this in mind, here are five Commanders players, including veteran cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, whose time in Washington is coming to an end.

Commanders players whose time in Washington is coming to an end

Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB

Benjamin St-Juste is a curious case. The cornerback is physical and has flashed moments of genuine promise since joining the Washington Commanders as a third-round selection. Unfortunately for the player, the consistency just isn't where it needs to be.

For all of St-Juste's good moments in coverage, concentration issues continue to hold him back. He's targeted as a weak link by opposing offenses in key moments. This isn't going unnoticed by those in power, who reduced his role in Week 13 and also made a big splash by acquiring Marshon Lattimore via trade from the New Orleans Saints before the deadline.

This could mean the Commanders are planning to move on from St-Juste. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and others could be set for exits throughout the offseason as well. Unless there's a monumental surge forward from the former Minnesota standout in the coming weeks, all signs point to the player's departure once his rookie contract expires.

The Commanders could keep St-Juste around as a rotational piece. That is becoming increasingly unlikely when one factors everything into the equation.

Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE

Adam Peters didn't give many new additions long-term commitments during his first offseason as general manager. He signed a plethora of veterans to one-year, prove-it deals rather than anything more substantial. Some are on their way to extensions while others are falling by the wayside.

Clelin Ferrell falls into the latter. The defensive end was brought from the San Francisco 49ers after impressing Peters, who worked in their front office. There was a chance to gain prominent reps and potentially make an impact playing closer to home. Things haven't gone according to plan.

Ferrell looks sluggish getting off the block to the contact point. Generating pressure is difficult for the former No. 3 overall selection. His inability to set the edge effectively on running plays is another problem.

After gaining two sacks in as many contests to start the season, Ferrell hasn't had another quarterback takedown since then. The Commanders need to find another explosive edge rusher or two during the offseason. If Peters finds the right guys, it's safe to assume the Clemson product will be made surplus to requirements.

Chris Paul - Commanders OL

The Commanders wasted no time in fortifying their offensive line under the new regime. This was a significant weak link during Ron Rivera's four-year tenure. Adam Peters acted with conviction to give rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels a fighting chance of firmly establishing himself.

Washington's protection took a major leap forward over the first half of 2024. They've regressed in the last month, but the talent is there to bounce back providing confidence hasn't diminished too much.

These positive enhancements haven't been good news for everybody. Chris Paul's been on the outside looking in for almost the entire campaign. Making the roster was an achievement in the circumstances, but pushing his way into a backup role is proving complicated.

Paul's been active three times this season. The versatile lineman hasn't logged an offensive play so far, featuring in 15 special teams snaps. This doesn't bode well for the player's hopes of getting an extension once his rookie contract expires.

Not many seventh-round selections end up seeing out their first NFL deals. Paul managed to accomplish this feat, but the chances of him getting another go-around in Washington next year are remote.

Dyami Brown - Commanders WR

It was surprising to see Dyami Brown get another shot in 2024. The wide receiver's first three years with the Washington Commanders were largely anonymous. However, the new coaching staff thought his physical attributes could be put to better use within Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts.

Brown left a positive impression throughout the offseason. He was one of the team's stars at training camp and made a beautiful catch in the preseason versus the New York Jets. Hope was renewed, but it didn't take long to realize it would be the same old story.

The North Carolina product has 22 targets this season, 16 of which he's brought in for 171 receiving yards and one touchdown. Even with other pass-catchers failing to meet their targets alongside Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin, it's not resulted in Brown being anything more than a fringe contributor.

With general manager Adam Peters poised to make more substantial changes to the playing personnel through free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, it seems unlikely that Brown will get another deal once his rookie contract expires. But teams always bet on physical upside, so he should catch on somewhere else.

Darrick Forrest - Commanders S

A new regime was always going to bring in their guys. Players who performed well under previous head coach Ron Rivera have become afterthoughts as the Commanders move forward with fresh purpose and professionalism. Darrick Forrest is another prime example.

Forrest was a capable starting option over his first few years in Washington. His safety partnership with Kamren Curl demonstrated promise, but an injury in 2023 represented a significant dent in his upward trajectory.

The Commanders' new decision-makers weren't going to wait around to see if Forrest could hit the ground running upon his return. They signed Jeremy Chinn to fill the void, who's sometimes vulnerable in coverage but is performing incredibly well overall. Perhaps the most damning indictment of the former Cincinnati star is how little he's been involved from a backup standpoint.

Washington prefers the likes of Percy Butler, Jeremy Reaves, and even undrafted free agent Tyler Owens thanks to their special teams prowess. Forrest's been active just five times this season and logged 11 defensive snaps. With the defensive back out of contract next spring, he's probably relishing the prospect of starting fresh elsewhere.

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