Commanders 53-man roster projection dares critics to doubt Dan Quinn again

The Washington Commanders reached heights not seen for decades during the 2024 season. Ensuring this becomes sustainable as part of a prosperous new era for this big-market franchise is a different challenge entirely.

Adam Peters recognized the opportunity awaiting the Commanders this offseason. The general manager got more aggressive, securing two more bold trades for proven veterans with Pro Bowl-caliber production. He brought in several free agents with experience of going deep into the postseason. The front-office supremo also used his five draft picks wisely, finding immediate difference-makers and rough diamonds who could potentially enter consideration quicker than anticipated.

Couple this with retaining most of the players who accomplished so much during the previous campaign, and hopes are high that the Commanders can make another deep playoff run next season.

It will be more difficult in 2025. The Commanders' schedule structure altered significantly after surging into the limelight once again. They have eight standalone games, five of which are on prime time. They have an international contest, a Christmas Day encounter, and a Saturday showcase versus the Philadelphia Eagles late in the campaign that could have big-time ramifications attached. Hopefully, Dan Quinn's squad can navigate things successfully enough for this to become their new normal rather than a fleeting flash in the pan.

Speaking of the squad, we thought now would be a good time to examine who could make the 53-man roster in 2025, with the recruitment period winding down and OTAs on the immediate horizon.

Commanders 53-man roster projection dares critics to doubt Dan Quinn again

Commanders quarterbacks (3)

• Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Sam Hartman

The Washington Commanders have a superstar quarterback at long last. Jayden Daniels put together one of the finest rookie campaigns in NFL history, displaying the inner desire, poise, dynamic traits, and ability to come through in the highest stakes this franchise desperately lacked previously.

Adam Peters did everything possible to surround Daniels with the improved supporting cast capable of taking his game to new heights. The Commanders also maintained stability in the quarterback room, re-signing Marcus Mariota to be the veteran backup and strong mentor presence to the former LSU standout.

Mariota gained huge plaudits for the way he helped Daniels last season. His production when called upon led many to wonder whether a starting offer would arrive from elsewhere. The former No. 2 pick opted to remain in Washington instead.

The Commanders took three quarterbacks onto their roster last season. If the same trend continues, Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman will fight it out for the No. 3 spot. Preference is for the younger option, but it could go either way.

Commanders running backs (4)

• Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols.

The Washington Commanders' ground game regressed as the season went on. Kliff Kingsbury's offense was far too reliant on Jayden Daniels, which he's more than capable of. However, it's a trend that cannot continue moving forward.

Adam Peters opted to keep faith with the options already available. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will once again play key roles in the final year of their respective deals. However, there's a growing belief that the Commanders might have a steal on their hands with seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

If Croskey-Merritt takes on coaching, he's got a good chance of establishing himself right out of the gate. If he needs a little longer, Jeremy McNichols is perfectly capable of manning the third spot behind Ekeler and Robinson.

Commanders tight ends (3)

• Zach Ertz, Ben Sinnott, John Bates.

Standing pat at the tight end position was all but assured this offseason. The Commanders rewarded Zach Ertz with a new one-year deal after his exceptional contribution to their sterling 2024 efforts. He's not getting any younger, but the three-time Pro Bowler proved there is plenty left in the tank after reuniting with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Washington also tied down John Bates to a long-term commitment. The blocking specialist is one of the league's best at his craft. He's the perfect complement to Ertz, who's more of a possession pass-catcher and red zone threat at this stage of his career.

Hopes are high that Ben Sinnott can become more influential after the second-round pick was used sparingly as a rookie. The Commanders took four tight ends through last season. They might not need that many this time around, leaving Colson Yankoff out of luck.

Commanders wide receivers (6)

• Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Noah Brown, Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, Michael Gallup.

The Commanders' wide receiver room has a nice mix of explosiveness and youthful exuberance entering the 2025 season. Adam Peters struck a telling blow by trading for Deebo Samuel Sr., whose versatility and dynamism look tailor-made for Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts.

Terry McLaurin remains the undisputed alpha, and he could get a new deal before Week 1 rolls around. Noah Brown re-signed to a one-year deal. He'll be tasked with providing a physically imposing downfield threat capable of accumulating big plays and defensive pass interference penalties.

Luke McCaffrey should improve after being brought along gradually as a rookie. Jaylin Lane, the No. 128 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, has the traits capable of carving out an immediate role for himself. A chance is also taken on Michael Gallup, who came out of retirement to join Dan Quinn's ambitious project.

Commanders offensive line (9)

• Laremy Tunsil, Nick Allegretti, Tyler Biadasz, Andrew Wylie, Josh Conerly Jr., Brandon Coleman, Trent Scott, Nate Herbig, Tyre Phillips.
• Injured reserve: Sam Cosmi.

Adam Peters' biggest priority this offseason was improving the options around Jayden Daniels. And the general manager's first focus centered on the trenches.

The Washington Commanders pulled off a major coup by acquiring five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil via trade from the Houston Texans. He remains one of the league's best pass protectors and a crushing force against the run. His penalties weren't ideal last season, but that should be easy to rectify.

Washington also spent the No. 29 overall pick in the 2025 draft on Josh Conerly Jr. He's got the tools needed to make an instant impression. If everything goes well this summer, expect the former Oregon star to form a productive bookend tackle tandem with Tunsil.

That will involve reshuffling for others. Tyler Biadasz will start at the center spot. This leaves Brandon Coleman, Andrew Wylie, and Nick Allegretti to compete for the guard positions until Sam Cosmi returns from injury.

Trent Scott, Nate Herbig, and Tyre Phillips could fill the backup spots. But don't be surprised if the Commanders take another onto the roster just to be on the safe side.

Commanders defensive line (9)

• Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Johnny Newton, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Deatrich Wise Jr., Clelin Ferrell, Eddie Goldman, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Jacob Martin.

There were some slight tweaks to the defensive line throughout the offseason. Jonathan Allen's time with the Commanders concluded. Adam Peters filled the void with free-agent signing Javon Kinlaw, who got a contract that most perceived as a massive overpay.

Kinlaw has a big point to prove. Daron Payne and Johnny Newton will also have responsibilities on the defensive line interior. Hopefully, this trio can become a dominant force capable of holding firm against the run and generating pressure when required.

From a pass-rushing standpoint, the Commanders lack explosiveness. Dorance Armstrong Jr. is the best option, but he only mustered a 14 percent pass-rush win rate last season. Deatrich Wise Jr. will help, but he's seen more as a run-stopping specialist.

The likes of Clelin Ferrell, Jacob Martin, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, and Eddie Goldman could make it. However, don't rule out players such as Jayln Holmes and Sheldon Day either.

Commanders linebackers (5)

• Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano, Nick Bellore.

It was no surprise to see Bobby Wagner get extended this offseason. The perennial All-Pro linebacker was one of the driving forces behind Washington's culture shift in 2024. His high-level production on the field and supreme standards away from the gridiron were strong examples for others to follow. He quickly became an integral signing that helped flip the script.

The same goes for Frankie Luvu. His explosiveness, instincts, and ferocious sideline-to-sideline capabilities took the Commanders by storm. He earned second-team All-Pro honors as a result, becoming a franchise cornerstone piece to depend upon for years to come.

As for the linebacking backups, Jordan Magee could be more influential this season after his rookie campaign was blighted by injuries. Nick Bellore will be on the squad for special teams purposes. And the Commanders also saw something in former UCLA star Kain Medrano that could be molded into a productive NFL performer over time.

Commanders cornerbacks (6)

• Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones, Trey Amos, Noah Igbinoghene, Car'lin Vigers.

The Washington Commanders made some shrewd investments in their cornerback room this offseason. Hopefully, this has the desired effect, and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.'s secondary can cope with some outstanding passing attacks on the schedule.

Two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones brings experience and proven production on the biggest stages. The Commanders also drafted Trey Amos at No. 61 overall, who was projected to be a first-rounder but slid due to a minor back issue that popped up during his pre-draft assessments.

Marshon Lattimore's fortunes will make or break this unit. The four-time Pro Bowler struggled last season due to a hamstring injury that he couldn't shake off. With a prolonged period to recover and a full offseason with the squad, he should return to his old form.

The Commanders have a sensation on their hands in Mike Sainristil, who could be deployed more in the nickel if Amos establishes himself immediately. Noah Igbinoghene should occupy a spot on the rotation, and it wouldn't be a shock if undrafted free agent Car'lin Vigers does enough to make the squad.

Commanders safeties (5)

• Quan Martin, Will Harris, Percy Butler, Tyler Owens, Jeremy Reaves.

There are a couple of concerns surrounding Washington's roster currently. The gravest one is their edge rushing options. Their most underrated potential complication is on the defensive backend.

The Commanders opted not to bring back Jeremy Chinn in free agency. He enjoyed a standout campaign with the squad in 2024, but general manager Adam Peters decided that he wasn't worth the money being offered to him by the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.

Will Harris was signed to fill the void. He's not as explosive, but he could fill the void effectively with a smooth integration over the summer.

This is a big third season in Washington for Quan Martin. He's now the alpha in the safety room. Another encouraging move forward might see a new contract emerge ahead of time.

Tyler Owens has the physical scope to emerge as a core rotational piece with sufficient development this offseason. Percy Butler should be around in the final year of his deal, and Jeremy Reaves' special-teams prowess indicates he'll also be on the roster.

Commanders special teams (3)

• Matt Gay (PK), Tress Way (P), Tyler Ott (LS).

There is another new kicker in Washington next season. It looked like former seventh-round pick Zane Gonzalez would get a shot at winning the starting job again after getting a new one-year deal. Adam Peters had something else in mind when an opportunity presented itself.

The Commanders signed Matt Gay and immediately released Gonzalez. They also gave him the most guaranteed one-year money for a kicker in NFL history. That's a supreme vote of confidence, but it also raises expectations that must be met.

Tress Way, the team's longest-serving player, is back for another go-around. The punter is highly respected in the locker room and beloved among the fan base. He's also still performing at a high level, which almost guaranteed he'd get another deal this offseason.

Long-snapper Tyler Ott provided stability at an important time. The Commanders are expecting the same trend to continue when the 2025 season arrives.

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