Darrick Forrest and 9 Commanders players who definitely won't be back in 2025

All good things must come to an end.

The Washington Commanders' fairytale season fell at the NFC Championship stage with a heartbreaking loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Although disappointing, fans cannot be anything other than thrilled with how things unfolded during the first campaign under head coach Dan Quinn.

This new era is off to the best possible start. The Commanders are way ahead of schedule with 12 wins and a playoff success. They are an attractive destination for free agents and have plenty of resources available to strengthen the playing personnel this offseason.

That is now general manager Adam Peters' primary focus.

The front-office leader was a tremendous hire for this organization. Peters instilled a sense of professionalism and purpose that got everyone around the league looking at Washington differently. It's an exciting time, but not everybody will come along for the ride.

The Commanders have a plethora of free agents. Peters must decide which ones to keep and which ones to dispose of. He's adopted ruthlessness with his roster building. Expect that trend to continue in the coming months.

With this in mind, here are 10 Commanders players who definitely won't be back in 2025. We'll begin with veteran safety Darrick Forrest.

Commanders players who definitely won't be back in 2025

Darrick Forrest - Commanders S

Dan Quinn and Adam Peters wasted no time adding to the defense upon assuming positions of power. One of the biggest changes came in the safety position.

The Commanders let Kamren Curl walk in free agency. Jeremy Chinn was acquired from the Carolina Panthers on a one-year deal and 2023 second-round selection Quan Martin switched to the backend after spending his rookie campaign as a nickel cornerback. This proved to be a productive partnership with long-term upside attached.

Chinn and Martin look well suited to Quinn's schematic concepts. They came on positively as the campaign wore on and firmly established themselves. That was positive for the Commanders — not so much for Darrick Forrest.

The former Cincinnati standout was the starter under Ron Rivera. Forrest's season in 22023 was cut short by injury. By the time he was ready to return, everything had changed.

Forrest didn't fit in nearly as well. He was a rotational piece at best and even a healthy scratch more often than not. This was extremely disappointing for the defensive back in a contract year.

There's no doubt Forrest will be eager to embrace a new challenge this offseason. Just where that'll be remains to be seen, but his future lies away from Washington.

Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE

The Washington Commanders have some big decisions to make on their defensive front this offseason. They managed to tread water in this area of the field, which was the minimum requirement looking at the personnel available. If they want to take that next step into legitimate Super Bowl consideration, settling is not an option.

This bears special significance on the edge. Dorance Armstrong Jr. signed a long-term contract and will be back. That's not the case with Clelin Ferrell, who penned a one-year deal last offseason and hasn't done enough for an extended stay.

Ferrell came into the league as a top-five selection, even though most thought the Las Vegas Raiders overdrafted the defensive end out of Clemson. He couldn't meet expectations as anticipated, but general manager Adam Peters saw enough of the edge force to bring him from the San Francisco 49ers.

After earning the starting gig and flashing early on, it didn't take long for Ferrell to regress. An injury problem didn't help, but he gradually saw his reps diminish down the stretch. That was the clearest sign that his future lies elsewhere.

Michael Davis - Commanders CB

Things looked promising for Michael Davis throughout the offseason. The free-agent signing looked set to start opposite Benjamin St-Juste on the boundary after a decent preparation period. Something happened that left the veteran cornerback on the outside looking in.

Davis was seldom seen on the defensive rotation. When the player was given reps, he became a weak link. Couple this with St-Juste's inconsistencies and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. showing no signs of life whatsoever, it left the Commanders with no option other than to switch rookie Mike Sainristil outside and make a daring trade for Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore before the deadline.

Things have progressed since then. That's not been great for Davis, who was used sparingly or not at all. His woeful effort against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17 only rubber-stamped the need for a better alternative this offseason.

It would be a bombshell of epic proportions if Davis got a new deal. He was worth bringing in from an experience standpoint in nothing else. Unfortunately, it didn't work out.

Trenton Scott - Commanders OT

The Commanders' offensive line improved this season. It wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, so don't be surprised if general manager Adam Peters rings the changes once again.

Washington could be looking for a starter or two depending on what happens with the offensive tackle tandem of Brandon Coleman and Andrew Wylie. This team desperately needs to enhance depth. That's not up for discussion.

Those tasked with coming in when someone went down with injury weren't up to the required standard. Trenton Scott fits into this bracket based on his output when called upon in 2024.

Scott did well to make the team as a holdover from the previous regime. Unfortunately, this didn't transition to a competitive setting from 192 snaps.

Although Scott didn't give up a sack, he conceded three penalties. His overall 48.7 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 119th out of 141 qualifying offensive tackles around the league. This was thanks in no small part to his lackluster run blocking.

The Commanders had to throw Scott in at the deep end when Sam Cosmi went down with a torn ACL against the Detroit Lions. He was solid if not spectacular, but that's unlikely to get him an extended stay with the organization.

If Scott departs as expected, he'll take one thing with him. He was the man to catch quarterback Jayden Daniels' first NFL touchdown pass. Nobody can ever take that away.

Michael Deiter - Commanders OL

Tyler Biadasz was an exceptional addition to the Washington Commanders. Head coach Dan Quinn knew what the veteran center could bring following their time together on the Dallas Cowboys. This was one of the team's best investments beyond question.

Biadasz improved communication pre-snap. He developed good chemistry with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. His run blocking was decent and the former Wisconsin star's pass-blocking represented an immediate upgrade on anything Washington churned out at the anchor position previously.

Things unraveled quickly whenever Biadasz missed time with injury. His understudy, Michael Deiter, tried valiantly but couldn't fill the void effectively enough. There was a noticeable drop-off in production that could have been far worse if not for Daniels' elite-level escapability.

Deiter was a liability in pass protection. He was overawed and outmatched for the most part and didn't have the core base to withstand power rushers from the interior. The Commanders need to find a better second option behind Biadasz via free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft this offseason.

Noah Brown - Commanders WR

Once Noah Brown was deemed surplus to requirements by the Houston Texans during final cuts, many thought he'd end up in Washington. Adam Peters wasted little time in acquiring the wide receiver as a vertical threat offering something a little different from what the Commanders already possessed.

Brown spent a couple of weeks learning Kliff Kingsbury's offensive concepts before getting involved. There were some truly high moments but plenty of lows thrown in for good measure. Just when it looked like momentum was starting to build, it came to an abrupt halt.

The former seventh-round selection was ruled out for the season with a rib injury that could have been a lot more serious. This was a devastating blow for the player, who'd finally begun to find his feet and earn the trust of Jayden Daniels in key moments.

If the Commanders want to be taken seriously as a Super Bowl challenger next season, they need to surround Daniels with better weapons in the passing game. There will always be collateral damage, which probably includes Brown if an upgrade is acquired.

Should Brown depart the Commanders, he leaves having given fans one of the most memorable moments in recent franchise history. That was, of course, the Hail Mary miracle to beat the Chicago Bears.

Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB

Running back could be an underrated offseason need for the Commanders. Brian Robinson Jr. regressed over the second half of 2024 and into the postseason. He could get another chance to prove himself in the final year of his deal, but general manager Adam Peters would be wise to find a contingency plan at some stage.

Austin Ekeler has another year on his contract and should be back. Chris Rodriguez Jr. flashed enough promise to potentially get a reprieve and fight for his roster spot once again. That won't be the case with Jeremy McNichols.

The veteran free-agent signing won a roster spot when it could have gone either way. McNichols' experience was preferred when push came to shove. Aside from a few noteworthy flashes, there wasn't enough to suggest a new deal will be in the offing.

McNichols gained 261 rushing yards and four touchdowns from 55 carries at 4.7 yards per touch. That's not bad, but the Commanders are aiming higher than just the average moving forward.

If the Commanders can find someone better, they shouldn't hesitate.

Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB

Benjamin St-Juste got countless opportunities to prove himself as a starting cornerback. The former third-round pick flashed promise on occasion, but there was always something missing.

This came to a head during the 2024 campaign. St-Juste was a walking defensive pass interference penalty throughout the season. He didn't look comfortable guarding No. 1 receivers or even No. 2 or No. 3 options. The Minnesota product was removed from the starting lineup and never got a good look again.

St-Juste became an easy target for the fanbase, which is never a good sign. The most concerning element was how frequently he was picked as a weak link by opposing offenses, especially in key situations. The trust from the defensive coaching staff just wasn't there in the player to produce the goods. That's the bottom line.

With St-Juste set to become a free agent this spring, the chances of Washington offering him a new deal are long gone. His starting experience and physical attributes indicate another opportunity should arrive elsewhere, but that won't be with the Commanders.

Mykal Walker - Commanders LB

There were a lot of positive changes across the Commanders this offseason. None were more vital than the linebacking enhancements.

This position group became a constant source of frustration throughout Ron Rivera's tenure. He overlooked the defensive second level and paid a heavy price. That was not a mistake Adam Peters and Dan Quinn were going to make.

Washington acted swiftly to bring in Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner to the organization in free agency. To say they revolutionized the defensive approach and locker room mindset would be an understatement. They earned second-team All-Pro honors and spearheaded a remarkable culture shift. The Commanders got high value for money and then some.

Wagner is still performing at a high level, but he's not getting any younger. Jordan Magee has potential but remains an unknown quantity following an injury-hit rookie year. Mykal Walker emerged as a solid special teams performer. That's unlikely to be enough to get another contract before free agency.

A situation could emerge where Walker gets a deal closer to offseason activities if he's not on another team by that point. However, the Commanders could go younger at the position and draft someone who can learn from Luvu and Wagner if the latter sticks around for another campaign.

Jeff Driskel - Commanders QB

Jayden Daniels is a superstar. The Commanders made the right call by selecting the quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His poise, production, and aura represent hope for the future. He's the franchise signal-caller Washington's starved fanbase had been waiting for.

What happens beneath Daniels on the quarterback depth chart is less certain. Marcus Mariota was lauded for his mentorship and for providing his fellow Heisman Trophy winner with a strong support system throughout his phenomenal transition. He could get an extension to keep continuity. But if a chance to compete for a starting job surfaces, he'll take it.

Jeff Driskel's also on the books. He's been the No. 3 option and emergency backup on game days. He's another veteran voice in the room at an important time. But this is where the journey should end.

Daniels moved like a savvy veteran with a meticulous work ethic and exemplary work ethic to match. The work of Driskel and Mariota is done to a certain extent. If the Commanders want to keep a third quarterback on the books, they could use Sam Hartman or another development piece instead.

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