Adam Peters made some tough choices, and the Washington Commanders' initial 53-man roster is set. However, it's called an initial squad for a reason.
The next phase for every team around the league is to scour the waiver wire and veteran pool for any possibilities that could improve their chances in 2025. Peters will be no different, although he'll be able to bring back some who didn't quite do enough onto the practice squad.
Several intriguing options could assist in positions of need. The Commanders look a little light in certain areas, which won't go unnoticed by Peters. It's a fluid situation, and the general manager could easily stand pat. Still, fans are eagerly awaiting one of two more acquisitions before preparations for Week 1 against the New York Giants gather pace.
With this in mind, here are 10 newly available roster cuts the Commanders could target before their expected Super Bowl push.
Roster cuts the Commanders could target before Super Bowl push
Commanders could sign Chris Paul Jr.
What's better than one Chris Paul on the squad? Two.
The Commanders' linebacking depth looked suspect throughout the preseason. Jordan Magee endured another injury-plagued summer, and rookie sixth-rounder Kain Medrano is incredibly raw. Ale Kaho made the squad after an impressive offseason. Whether he can impact the defensive lineup is another matter.
Chris Paul Jr. will be a lively option for many teams after the Los Angeles Rams surprisingly waived the second-level presence. He'd had a good training camp, according to reports, but the fifth-round pick this year wasn't taken through onto the roster.
This was an extremely disappointing development for Paul. But when one door closes, another opens. The Commanders could place a waiver claim in his direction, but they would need to get extremely lucky.
Commanders could sign Trey Palmer
Perhaps surprisingly, the Commanders only went forward with five wide receivers. Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Noah Brown, Jaylin Lane, and Luke McCaffrey were the picks, but don't be surprised if Adam Peters finds another at some stage before Week 1.
Trey Palmer fell victim to the wide receiver surplus within the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's got some decent previous production for a sixth-round pick. He's also got the size and physical profile that looks well-suited to Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts.
The Commanders might be content with what they have, especially if the likes of Ja'Corey Brooks and Tay Martin come back onto the practice squad. If Peters decides more is needed, Palmer is an intriguing possibility.