3 Commanders who were unlucky not to make the 53-man roster

2. Steven Parker, S

Not only was Parker (somewhat) surprisingly released, but he was among Washington’s first wave of cuts. Not what you’d expect from a camp and preseason standout. Perhaps the coaching staff already decided who’d they be keeping at safety.

Whatever the case, the fourth-year DB was unlucky not to make the Commanders’ final roster. He was the team’s highest-graded defender in Week 1 against the Panthers, but came back down to earth against the Chiefs and Ravens.

The safety position has been a weakness for Washington the last few years, but the emergence of Darrick Forrest and Percy Butler at camp made Parker expendable. Not to mention, fan favorite Jeremy Reaves deservingly made the squad.

With that said, Butler took his lumps in coverage in the preseason and Parker might’ve thought he had a realistic chance at sticking as a veteran depth piece. With 31 games under his belt, he would’ve been the Commanders’ most experienced backup safety.

Perhaps he can fill that role on the practice squad if he clears waivers.