Who made the team?

The Washington Commanders roster cuts started this morning at 11am with the reported release of WR Davion Davis. The names started pouring in this morning as the team worked its way through 26 more players to get to their 53-man roster. Washington will have their eyes on other teams’ cuts, potential trades, and of course filling out their 16-man practice squad with players that can develop and contribute this year.

Washington made 38 roster moves today to get their roster to the 53-man limit. Jayden Daniels was named the Week 1 starter, and he’s joined by veterans Marcus Mariota and Jeff Driskel in the QB room. Mariota dealt with a groin injury that kept him sidelined for the final two preseason games.

The Commanders kept 6 wide receivers on the roster, with Terry McLaurin the clear leader in the group. Jahan Dotson was traded to the Eagles, and Dyami Brown is expected to step up this year after a strong offseason. Washington added Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency and draft Luke McCaffrey in the 3^rd round. Veterans Byron Pringle and Jamison Crowder round out the group for now.

Washington kept four tight ends, with veteran Zach Ertz topping the list. John Bates makes the roster again, but Cole Turner didn’t after Washington attempted to trade him. second round pick Ben Sinnott joins another fellow rookie, UDFA Colson Yankoff.

The offensive line has been declining in Washington since Ron Rivera was hired as the head coach in 2020. New OL coach Bobby Johnson was one of the least popular hires on Dan Quinn’s coaching staff, and he will have his work cut out for him in his first season in Washington. Washington signed former Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz in free agency along with former Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti. Brandon Coleman was drafted in the 3^rd round, and looked like he was in the lead for the left tackle spot before a pec injury sidelined him. Cornelius Lucas and Andrew Wylie return at tackle for another season. Chris Paul returns for another year after working at tackle this season, and Michael Deiter is the team’s backup center.

On defense, Washington continues to anchor their defensive line with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Jer’Zahn Newton was drafted in the 2nd round this year, but he’s had surgery on both of his feet(Jones fractures) since his college career ended, and has been sidelined with a soft tissue issue. Phidarian Mathis has been considered a bust since being drafted in the 2nd round in 2022. He has dealt with injuries and been down on the depth chart when healthy. There was trade interest in John Ridgeway III, but he has made the initial 53-man roster.

The defensive ends are an interesting group led by Dorance Armstrong. Washington traded away Montez Sweat and Chase Young at the trade deadline last year, and also released K.J. Henry and Andre Jones Jr from last year’s draft class. Clelin Ferrell was brought in via free agency, but he has been dealing with an injury during the preseason. Javontae Jean-Baptiste was a 7^th round pick this year who has flashed during the preseason and will get his shot at the bottom of the depth chart.

Washington kept four linebackers, with Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu leading the way. Fifth round rookie Jordan Magee suffered a meniscus injury and was placed on short-term IR. Dante Fowler Jr, Mykal Walker, and Dominique Hampton round out the LB room.

The Commanders defensive backfield will look a lot different this season as GM Adam Peters and HC Dan Quinn remade the team. Emmanuel Forbes was taken in the 1st round last year, and he was a huge disappointment last season. Benjamin St-Juste was a starter last year that continues to frustrate fans with his bad habits. They will be joined by rookie Mike Sainristil who has impressed everyone, and has been working on the outside after quickly winning the slot job. Michael Davis and Noah Igbinoghene were signed in free agency.

Safety will also look different after Kamren Curl left in free agency. Washington added Jeremy Chinn, and he will work with Quan Martin, and returning players Jeremy Reaves, Darrick Forrest. and Percy Butler. UDFA rookie Tyler Owens impressed all offseason and earns the last spot.

Washington had a kicker competition during this year’s training camp. Brandon McManus was signed in free agency, but released after sexual assault allegations. Washington added Ramiz Ahmed, and then claimed Riley Patterson off of waivers. Neither one last past the first two preseason games, and Washington traded a conditional 7^th round pick to the Cleveland Browns for Cade York. He will join long snapper Tyler Ott and punter Tress Way as the team’s specialists.

Washington Commanders Roster

Offense(25)

Quarterback(3)

Jayden Daniels

Marcus Mariota

Jeff Driskel

Wide Receiver(6)

Terry McLaurin

Dyami Brown

Olamide Zaccheaus

Luke McCaffrey

Byron Pringle

Jamison Crowder

Tight End(4)

Zach Ertz

John Bates

Ben Sinnott

Colson Yankoff

Running Back(3)

Brian Robinson

Austin Ekeler

Jeremy McNichols

Offensive Line(9)

Brandon Coleman

Sam Cosmi

Cornelius Lucas

Andrew Wylie

Nick Allegretti

Tyler Biadasz

Trent Scott

Chris Paul

Michael Deiter

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Defense(25)

Defensive End(4)

Dorance Armstrong

Clelin Ferrell

Jamin Davis

Javontae Jean-Baptiste

Defensive Tackle(5)

Jonathan Allen

Daron Payne

Phidarian Mathis

Johnny Newton

John Ridgeway III

Linebacker(5)

Bobby Wagner

Frankie Luvu

Dante Fowler Jr

Mykal Walker

Dominique Hampton

Cornerback(5)

Mike Sainristil

Benjamin St-Juste

Emmanuel Forbes

Michael Davis

Noah Igbinoghene

Safety(6)

Quan Martin

Jeremy Chinn

Jeremy Reaves

Darrick Forrest

Percy Butler

Tyler Owens

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Special Teams(3)

Kicker

Cade York

Punter

Tress Way

Long Snapper

Tyler Ott

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Roster Cuts

Offense

WR Davion Davis

WR Martavis Bryant

WR Mitchell Tinsley

C Cameron Tom

OL Julian Good-Jones

QB Sam Hartman

OL David Nwaogwugwu

RB Chris Rodriguez Jr

WR Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint

RB Michael Wiley

WR Brycen Tremayne

RB Austin Jones

WR Kazmeir Allen

T Armani Taylor-Prioleau

T Braeden Daniels

TE Cole Turner

Defense

CB Nick Whiteside II

CB A.J. Woods

CB Tariq Castro-Fields

CB James Pierre

DE K.J. Henry

DE Andre Jones Jr

CB Chigozie Anusiem

LB Chapelle Russell

S Kendell Brooks

DE Jalen Harris

DE Justin Hollins

CB Kyu Blu Kelly

DT Haggai Ndubuisi

LB Anthony Pittman

DT Benning Potoa’e

S Sheldrick Redwine

Injured Reserve

Alex Akingbulu, OT

Jordan Magee, LB

Norell Pollard, DT

Taylor Stallworth, DT

Reserve/PUP

DE Efe Obada