Michael Deiter and 4 Commanders players who won't be missed in 2025

The Washington Commanders achieved more than anyone imagined during their first season under head coach Dan Quinn. That won't stop general manager Adam Peters from making more drastic changes to the playing personnel this offseason.

Peters is a ruthless, aggressive roster builder. Gutting two-thirds of Washington's squad in year one was just the start. Especially considering the Commanders officially opened their Super Bowl window much sooner than anticipated.

Most fans and analysts expected improvement of some kind. That was a realistic aim, but 14 total victories (regular season and playoffs) led Washington to the NFC Championship game against all odds. They eventually came unstuck one game short of the Super Bowl. Even so, nobody could have asked any more from the new regime as they formally announced the Commanders' return to the NFL's forefront.

The Commanders are in a strong position heading into the offseason. They have plenty of salary-cap space to strengthen the ranks and seven selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. Peters has genuine flexibility with a rookie quarterback contract to build around. Unfortunately for some, not everyone will come along for the ride.

With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who won't be missed when they inevitably depart this offseason. We'll begin with veteran offensive lineman Michael Deiter.

Washington Commanders players who won't be missed in 2025

Michael Deiter - Commanders OL

If there was one key area where the Washington Commanders were found wanting against the NFL's elite, it was the trenches on both sides of the football. Not having Daron Payne or Sam Cosmi available against the Philadelphia Eagles represented a significant blow, one that exposed the team's lack of depth along the way.

Michael Deiter was acquired as a depth piece in Peters' first offseason. His experience and ability to play anywhere along the interior brought intrigue and possible stability. It didn't take long to realize this wasn't going to go well.

Deiter struggled during the preseason, which set the tone for what came next. The former Wisconsin standout played 232 snaps throughout the campaign, giving up three sacks and seven pressures from 144 pass-blocking reps. His 41.1 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 61st out of 64 qualifying centers. It was pretty ugly aside from a few flashes.

There was no confidence in Deiter. There's almost no chance the veteran gets a new deal with reinforcements expected. And it wouldn't take much to upgrade the depth options across the offensive line based on his performance levels when called upon.

Michael Davis - Commanders CB

The Washington Commanders needed more from their cornerback unit in 2024. This position group became a constant source of frustration under the previous regime, although much of the blame was directed at Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio for failing to come up with the schematic adjustments needed.

Adam Peters looked to turn the tide. He drafted Mike Sainrstil and signed Noah Igbinoghene in free agency. The front-office leader later cut former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and made a bold trade to acquire Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints. Things took a step forward, but more is needed to counteract the league's most dynamic passing attacks.

Those plans are unlikely to include Michael Davis. The veteran penned a one-year deal in free agency and looked like he was going to start opposite Benjamin St-Juste over the early stages of camp. Washington's coaching staff saw something they didn't like and sent him to the fringes early on.

Davis played just 15 percent of defensive snaps. He conceded 71.4 percent of targets thrown in his direction. His 40.8 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 204th out of 223 qualifying cornerbacks. The former BYU star was a healthy scratch twice during the regular season and for all three playoff games.

That represented a damning indictment of how the coaches perceived Davis' talent. He'll be moved on with little fanfare attached this offseason.

Trent Scott - Commanders OL

It was surprising to see Trent Scott make the team. He was a holdover from the previous regime, which meant the offensive lineman quickly became vulnerable given how Adam Peters perceived Ron Rivera's roster construction. The veteran did well to make the squad, albeit as an emergency, swing option.

Scott was seldom seen during the regular season. The Commanders moved forward with Cornelius Lucas and Brandon Coleman on the blindside. Andrew Wylie was cemented as the team's starting right tackle, leaving the former Grambling State standout on the fringes.

Just when it seemed all hope was lost for Scott, the Commanders were forced to throw him into the fire when Sam Cosmi suffered a torn ACL in the divisional round versus the Detroit Lions. He took on the challenge and performed well.

That wasn't the case in the NFC Championship game. This was a more daunting test for Scott versus the dominant defensive line trio of Milton Williams, Jordan Davis, and Jalen Carter. He couldn't meet expectations and quickly became a weak link the Philadelphia Eagles had no trouble exploiting.

The Commanders need a better backup plan. Scott is a solid pro and a hard worker, but the consistency just isn't where it needs to be.

Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB

Benjamin St-Juste got plenty of opportunities to cement his status as the team's No. 1 cornerback. There were times when he looked capable of achieving this feat. But the performance levels were nowhere near consistent enough to provide confidence.

St-Juste entered the campaign atop the cornerback depth chart. His size and length looked tailor-made to make a significant impact within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive system. Unfortunately for the Minnesota product, the same frustrations reared their ugly head once again.

The defensive back became a liability. St-Juste's 46.8 pass coverage grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 193rd out of 223 qualifying cornerbacks around the league. When the opposition needed a crucial play, they often looked in his direction.

There's also the discipline issue to factor into the equation. St-Juste is technically flawed, giving up countless defensive pass interference penalties — most of which came when the Washington Commanders had a chance to get off the field. Adam Peters' bombshell trade for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the deadline represented the final nail in his proverbial D.C. coffin.

St-Juste is a free agent this offseason and won't return. And in all honesty, the player only has himself to blame after spurning several chances to firmly establish himself.

K.J. Osborn - Commanders WR

The Commanders had to think on their feet after Noah Brown suffered a serious internal injury in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans. Those in power struck with conviction to scoop K.J. Osborn off waivers following his release by the New England Patriots.

Osborn has talent. He was a respectable contributor during his time with the Minnesota Vikings, taking advantage of the one-on-one opportunities with the likes of Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson taking the focus. This earned him a deal with the Patriots, but the relationship soured quickly.

Most fans were expecting Osborn to make an impression. The Commanders desperately needed someone to step up and become a complimentary piece opposite Terry McLaurin. As it turned out, that was Dyami Brown.

The North Carolina product came to the fore at an important time. Brown rose to the occasion and emerged as a trusted target for Jayden Daniels down the stretch. This continued into the postseason, leaving Osborn on the inactive players list as a result.

Washington must find more productive pass-catchers for Daniels this offseason. McLaurin is a star, but everything is uncertain aside from that. Whichever way Adam Peters decides to go, those plans won't include Osborn following his non-existent contribution in difficult circumstances.

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