Commanders castoff gets the stunning final chance fans never expected

Adam Peters ruthlessly disposed of most high-end draft picks made by previous head coach Ron Rivera. It was a four-year period that could have set the Washington Commanders back for decades if managed incorrectly. But fortunately, the new general manager knew exactly how to turn the tide.

It revolutionized the Commanders' fortunes on and off the field. Unfortunately, it wasn't good news for everyone. And the fact that very few castoffs are making an impact elsewhere speaks volumes.

One catastrophe on the personnel front after another was Rivera's undoing. Things look a lot more promising now, but for those who were made surplus to requirements, their respective journeys have taken a different path.

Former Commanders LB Jamin Davis gets one final chance to save his career

And for linebacker Jamin Davis, he's been given a golden opportunity to galvanize his career when nobody expected it.

Davis was a first-round pick by Rivera. He got almost no help at the defensive second level and was tasked with responsibilities he could never accomplish effectively. When his switch to the edge-rushing spot didn't go well, Peters and Dan Quinn cut the cord ahead of time.

The former Kentucky standout has spent time on several teams since departing Washington. Davis hasn't been involved since he was cut by the New York Jets this summer. Now, an unlikely chance has emerged after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders' practice squad.

Las Vegas was on the lookout for another linebacker after releasing Germaine Pratt after his brief and underwhelming stint in the desert. Pete Carroll has had success with players boasting Davis' athletic credentials in the past. Getting him up to speed quickly is imperative, but this is a moment the imposing yet underachieving defender cannot afford to waste.

There might not be any way back for Davis if he cannot seize this chance. He hasn't caught on with any team for an extended period since the Commanders released him. If he cannot make a go of things when there is a clear opening for playing time in Las Vegas after Pratt's abrupt departure, that could be enough for teams to cast him aside for good.

The stakes could not be any higher for Davis. And who knows, perhaps this extra urgency, coupled with Carroll's guidance, could be enough to galvanize his career when hope was fading all too quickly.

Anything less, and that might just be the last anyone sees of Davis in the NFL. It's that simple.