Jeremy Chinn and 4 Commanders playing their way into the team's long-term plans

The Washington Commanders look poised to make the postseason after a sensational victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16. It was a remarkable comeback that typified how far this once-downtrodden franchise has come in a short space of time under the new regime.

Belief is back. From the players and coaches to the front-office personnel and fans. Everyone is on the same page and excited for the future. However, the hard work is just getting started.

General manager Adam Peters has some big decisions to make during the offseason. The Commanders will be an attractive destination for pending free agents given their vast salary-cap space and ascending status in a big market. Before then, the respected front-office leader must decide what to do with those currently on the books.

Some will be moved on with little fanfare attached. Others have their fortunes hanging by a thread. A select few have done enough to potentially become part of this project in the coming years.

With this in mind, here are five Commanders playing their way into the team's long-term plans beyond 2024. We'll start with dynamic safety Jeremy Chinn.

Commanders playing their way into the team's long-term plans beyond 2024

Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S

The Washington Commanders saw something in Jeremy Chinn despite his time with the Carolina Panthers fading quickly. His, size, athleticism, and instinctive playing style seemed like a tremendous scheme fit for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense. This looks like a tremendous piece of business.

Chinn isn't flawless. There are deficiencies in coverage on occasion. However, the Commanders are using him perfectly. He's a stout force against the run with the closing speed to reach the contact point quickly and with supreme aggression. The former second-round pick is making every rep count and has his swagger back for good measure.

Playing with a chip on his shoulder seems to be working for Chinn. He's highly motivated to show the Panthers what they're missing and get a long-term deal in Washington or elsewhere when the campaign concludes. Much will depend on the money involved, but the Commanders would be wise to keep him around.

Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB

Things looked bleak for the Washington Commanders' cornerback unit once upon a time this season. Those in power strengthened the ranks through free agency and the draft. It took some tinkering from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. to fit all the pieces together effectively.

This unit has come on encouragingly as the season's gone on. The acquisition of four-time Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore is a huge help, but Washington faces an anxious wait regarding his status moving forward after he aggravated his hamstring issue versus the Philadelphia Eagles.

There's been a lot to like about the way Noah Igbinoghene's improved since Week 1. Moving him into the slot and placing rookie second-rounder Mike Sainristil on the outside was a calculated risk that paid off handsomely. The Commanders have been much more assured with this formula. It's also seen the former first-round pick enjoy a career renaissance of sorts.

It's easy to forget that Igbinoghene just turned 25 years old. The defensive back has his best football ahead of him and earned the respect of Dan Quinn and Whitt — a relationship that began with the Dallas Cowboys last season.

Providing there are no major hiccups for the player in the coming weeks, the Commanders should offer him an extension. Whether that's a one-year arrangement or something longer-term remains to be seen, but the Auburn product is deserving of either.

Quan Martin - Commanders S

Adam Peters didn't think too much about Ron Rivera's draft choices throughout his time at the helm. All of the former head coach's first-round picks are gone. Several chosen in the remaining rounds have also been made surplus to requirements under the new regime. That's a damning indictment of personnel evaluation over the last four years.

Quan Martin could have been forgiven for feeling a little apprehensive regarding his long-term outlook heading into the season. The 2023 second-round pick flashed as a slot cornerback last time out. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. immediately switched him to the safety spot, which is where he starred in college at Illinois.

Much like the situation with Jeremy Chinn, it's not been entirely smooth sailing for Martin. His coverage awareness must improve with additional experience. But his hard-hitting, physical support against the run represents a solid platform from which to build.

The Commanders could stand pat at the safety position with their two starters this offseason. Chinn and Martin look like a potentially dynamic tandem in their first season together. Seeing if this can evolve further in the coming years wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.

Jordan Magee - Commanders LB

The sample size is relatively small where rookie linebacker Jordan Magee is concerned. His quest to make an immediate contribution in 2024 came to an abrupt halt when a knee issue required surgery. This was disappointing when one considers how impressive his integration was throughout the summer after being taken No. 139 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Magee is being brought along gradually. He's getting some defensive reps and shining. However, the linebacker lands on this list due to his phenomenal special teams contribution when called upon.

The former Temple star is instinctive and explosive. That makes Magee a dangerous weapon on special teams, which the Washington Commanders have put to good use in recent weeks.

He might not end up being a genuine star, but every team needs a glue guy like this when they need a special team play. Magee is making up for some lost time and looks capable of featuring more in the coming years with additional development.

Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT

Most agreed that the Commanders needed to find a left tackle this offseason. Charles Leno Jr. was a salary-cap casualty as expected. Despite Cornelius Lucas sticking around on a one-year extension, general manager Adam Peters needed someone with a longer-term upside.

There was a sense of disappointment among the fanbase when the Commanders reportedly tried and failed to move back into the first round for a premier left tackle from the college ranks. However, Peters had a contingency plan in place a little further down the pecking order.

Brandon Coleman was selected No. 67 overall. There were concerns about whether he'd be better suited to the interior in the pros. Peters had complete faith he could excel on the blindside. He's been proven right so far.

Coleman's integration was gradual. The former TCU standout split reps with Lucas over the first half of 2024. He's been tasked with the lion's share of responsibilities in recent weeks, which is a ringing endorsement from the coaching staff regarding his development.

There are times when Coleman struggles. That's to be expected of rookie tackles gaining substantial reps immediately. But this experience is only going to serve him well en route to potentially becoming a core foundational piece long-term.

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