These Commanders players will be looking to avoid short tenures with the team.
Adam Peters turned over almost half the roster during his first offseason as Washington Commanders' general manager. Nobody cared too much about that considering how things unfolded throughout Ron Rivera's four years at the helm. Almost every fan welcomed the prospect as the franchise looks to become a serious outfit once again.
Peters has much more to do. He'll turn over every stone to ensure the Commanders are more competitive next season. Raising competition for the places was an important step - something that can help increase focus and performance levels after most went through the motions in 2023.
Players will wage war with one another for starting spots, depth chart positions, and places on the 53-man roster over Washington's training camp. Anyone still around will get a legitimate chance to prove themselves. But make no mistake, Peters won't hesitate to dispose of more players - whether new to the franchise or holdovers from the previous regime - if he feels like it's the right thing to do.
With this in mind, here are three recently added Commanders players who already look like potential cut candidates before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ramiz Ahmed - Commanders K
The Washington Commanders looked set at the kicking position when veteran Brandon McManus was signed relatively early in the recruitment process. His production took a dip last time around, but he represented an immediate upgrade on previous starter Joey Slye. However, concerning revelations meant his spell with the franchise was short-lived.
Allegations of sexual assault during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars meant he became a problem the Commanders didn't need. The new regime made a huge statement of intent. Anyone not displaying the correct character away from the gridiron will be shown the door.
Ramiz Ahmed came on board as the team's kicker soon after. His place on the 53-man roster is far from assured when one factors everything into the equation.
The life of an NFL kicker is especially fragile. Ahmed doesn't have any legitimate competition for his spot right now, but it would be surprising to see that stay the same either before or during camp.
Anything less than consistency and increasing confidence won't bode well for Ahmed's chances.
Damiere Byrd - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders are expecting more from their wide receiver options next season. Jayden Daniels looks like a franchise-caliber presence under center. That'll count for nothing if those at the skill positions cannot make plays when called upon.
Terry McLaurin remains the top dog and could benefit more than anybody from Daniels' improved distribution. Hopes remain high that Jahan Dotson can finally break out in 2024 after failing to meet expectations during the previous campaign. The Commanders spent a third-round pick on Luke McCaffrey, who's made a strong start over early workouts and seems to be developing a nice rapport with his signal-caller for good measure.
Despite failing to impose himself up to now, Dyami Brown's vertical threat is something that can become an asset if he wins the confidence of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. As for the rest? They'll be fighting with everything to earn places on the 53-man roster in the coming weeks.
It could go either way for most. The Commanders will examine developments closely day by day. Adam Peters could even bring in additional reinforcements if things aren't progressing as expected.
One cannot dismiss the importance of special teams' prowess for those further down the pecking order. Washington tried several players in the kick return game to see what they could offer. This will become especially important during the 2024 season considering how the new rules seem to benefit the return team.
That's a big reason why Damiere Byrd was acquired on a one-year deal. Dan Quinn knows him well from their time together on the Atlanta Falcons. He's bounced around the league since gaining 604 receiving yards with the New England Patriots in 2020. He was seldom seen last time around, but the Commanders are giving him a shot to see if he can be impactful in a different environment.
That's a positive for Byrd, but it doesn't come with any concrete assurances. Beating out the likes of Dax Milne, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Mitchell Tinsley, and Jamison Crowder is the only way he'll secure his spot.
Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB
There are a few concerns heading into the season. One of Adam Peters' biggest potential frailties during his early roster construction centers on the Washington Commanders' cornerback options.
This unit became a constant source of frustration during the previous campaign. They gave up chunk plays almost at will. Things got even worse over the second half of 2023 once Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded before the deadline. Having no genuine pass-rush exposed the secondary's weaknesses in no uncertain terms.
Peters opted to tweak the corner room rather than do anything more drastic. Kendall Fuller's departure in free agency to the Miami Dolphins was an expected blow coming the team's way. Whether the Commanders did enough to fill the void remains to be seen.
Mike Sainristil looks like a difference-maker who could assist right out of the gate. Optimism is lower for free-agent signing Michael Davis after the veteran displayed signs of regression with the Los Angeles Chargers last time out. Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. are still around, but the need for them to progress cannot be overstated heading into crossroads years for both.
The rest appear to be depth pieces that could potentially make an impact on special teams. Noah Igbinoghene comes with more intrigue than most as a former first-round pick. However, injuries and previous poor production leave his fortunes hanging in the balance.
Igbinoghene could potentially be an asset. He's got the size, athleticism, and physicality Dan Quinn normally looks for in his defensive backs. The head coach worked with him last season and should know his capabilities. There's also a lot to like about his special teams' influence to further help his chances of making the team.
The Auburn product cannot get complacent. Igbinoghene should be fully aware that nothing will be given. Staying free of health complications is the primary objective. After that, the coaching staff believes his talent can shine through.
It would be a surprise if Igbinoghene didn't make the roster. But all it'll take is one or two others to outperform him over Washington's camp to change this.
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