The Washington Commanders are no longer a rebuilding team. Theyâre a rising franchise with real expectations in 2025. Under coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters, Washington has built a deeper, faster roster with young talent on both sides of the ball. With a revamped culture and an aggressive offseason, tough decisions may come before Week 1.
That could mean parting ways with some familiar names.
Whether itâs salary cap, scheme fit, or rising competition, several veterans could be cut before the final 53-man roster.
Theyâve contributed in the past, but nothing is guaranteed on a team chasing playoff success and national relevance.
Changing of the Guard: Vets Who May Be Passed by Youth
One clear sign of progress is when younger, cheaper, and faster players start pushing veterans off the depth chart.
Washington is entering that phase at multiple key positions.
On the offensive side of the ball, things could be heating up.
Andrew Wylie, the veteran offensive tackle who started 14 games last season, could be on the bubble. Wylie was brought in as a dependable option and rebounded in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense in 2024 after struggling in 2023 under former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. With first-round rookie tackle Josh Conerly Jr. from Oregon impressing early, and 2024 draft pick Brandon Coleman moving inside to guard, Wylie could become a cap casualty or a backup instead of a starter. He has great value as a veteran and versatile lineman, but is getting older at 31.
A few names to watch out for out of the running back room are Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. The two backs could have a tough time securing roster spots if 7th-round draft pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt and free agent Demetric Felton continue to impress as they have done in OTAs and minicamps. With the Commanders investing in younger and faster backfield prospects, McNichols and Rodriguez could be on the outside looking in if the staff opts for youth and upside over experience. Even a steady veteran like Austin Ekeler could be left out if he continues to deal with head injuries that have been a worry for the second-team All-Pro kick returner and pass-catching back.
Other potential cuts could be WRs Michael Gallup and K.J. Osborn. Both players have had success in the NFL but may need strong camps to justify their spots as the Commanders may want youth and upside at the position.
Salary Cap, Health, and Versatility Prove Costly
Could one of the Commanders’ two special-teams Pro Bowlers be in jeopardy of not making the roster? Fan favorite Jeremy Reaves could face a battle for his roster spot. The safety and special teams ace has always been a reliable player and locker room mainstay. Reeves plays a position that has become increasingly deep. With returning young safeties like Quan Martin and Percy Butler to pair with Will Harris and Tyler Owens, Reaves will need to prove he’s still one of the most impactful special-teams players in the league. His value is undeniable and shouldn’t be in jeopardy, but stranger things have happened.
Nick Bellore was a special-teams star with the Seattle Seahawks. Last year, the Commanders acquired the 36-year-old, and he made an instant impact on special-teams coverage. Having two special-teams stars is tough for the Commanders if neither Bellore nor Reaves is getting significant reps on defense, and a younger player emerges on special teams, that scenario could justify one of the two being released.
Salary cap flexibility could influence decisions, too. The Commanders arenât tight on money, but cutting mid-level vets opens room for in-season moves or extensions.
Training camp and preseason will reveal the full picture. But one thing is clear: this isnât the same old Commanders roster. Quinn and Peters are running a merit-based program where nothing is guaranteed.
Veterans who canât stay healthy, help on special teams, or adapt to new roles will be vulnerable. Young talent is emerging fast, which is a good sign for the teamâs future. But it also means tough cuts are coming.
Some respected names may not make it to opening day. In 2025, the Commanders are aiming for more than progress; theyâre pushing toward playoff glory.
That journey starts with bold decisions and difficult goodbyes.
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