Which high-profile Washington Commanders players might find themselves missing out on the 53-man roster in 2023?
It’s been an offseason of great change for the Washington Commanders in 2023. And the biggest shift of all is still to come if Dan Snyder does sell the franchise as expected.
Ron Rivera knows the deal when new ownership comes into the fold. He paid with his job on the Carolina Panthers in a similar scenario and if legitimate strides aren’t made next time around, the same fate awaits.
Some nice additions have been made in free agency and the draft should also bolster problem positions. Something that could leave those currently on the roster fighting for their own futures along the way.
With this in mind, here are four high-profile Commanders players who might not make the team in 2023.
Player No. 1
Chase Roullier – Commanders C
This is dependent on where the Washington Commanders plan to utilize free-agent signing Nick Gates and whether the center spot is given priority during the 2023 NFL Draft. But it’s not hard to envisage a situation where Chase Roullier’s services are no longer required.
Injuries have blighted Roullier’s once-promising career in Washington. Considering the salary-cap savings involved with a post-June 1 release, it’s something that cannot be dismissed entirely based on the player’s concerning current career trajectory.
Joey Slye – Commanders K
While Joey Slye had some nice moments with the Washington Commanders last season, the kicker could be another that finds himself on the outside looking in. Ron Rivera will give him a chance to cement his place on the roster, but the consistency issues that reared their head on occasion in 2022 must be eradicated from the player’s game quickly.
This has been the story of Slye’s time in the league. Having elite leg strength isn’t worth anything if the accuracy isn’t there to match, which has often complicated matters in key moments for whatever team the Virginia product found himself on.
Rivera obviously believes enough in Slye. The pair worked together closely on the Carolina Panthers and have a strong bond, but if the kicker struggles throughout OTAs, it would be wise if those in power brought in legitimate competition at some stage.
If nothing else, this would increase urgency where Slye is concerned. Perhaps someone like Eddy Pineiro, who is a free agent despite thriving for the Panthers last season deputizing for the injured Zane Gonzalez.
Considering what’s at stake for Rivera in 2022 if new owners get the team from Dan Snyder, he cannot leave anything to chance. So the onus is on Slye to leave no doubt whatsoever with improved consistency throughout the upcoming preparation period.
Kendall Fuller – Commanders CB
This would be a shock given Kendall Fuller is perhaps the only proven cornerback on the Washington Commanders right now. Benjamin St-Juste and the recently acquired Cameron Dantzler Sr. have high upside, but neither boasts the credentials and career production of the team’s current No. 1 option.
Fuller was solid if not spectacular for the Commanders last season. There were times when his shutdown capabilities were evident, but teams often targeted the player effectively once they got their desired mismatch.
The Commanders are going to get their hands on one of the top college cornerbacks via the 2023 NFL Draft. That’s almost guaranteed, but it’s whether this comes at No. 16 overall or a little further down the pecking order that’s the big question currently.
If the Commanders get lucky with someone like Christian Gonzalez and Joey Porter Jr., Fuller’s role might diminish. Should St-Juste and Dantzler perform better than anticipated, then a scenario could emerge where Washington makes the former third-round pick out of Virginia Tech a salary-cap casualty – however unlikely it might seem.
Releasing Fuller with a post-June 1 designation saves $8.5 million and comes with $3.12 million in dead money. While the chances are remote, the notion cannot be dismissed entirely.
Logan Thomas – Commanders TE
Eric Bieniemy is clearly having a big say in personnel moves on offense following his eye-catching switch to the Washington Commanders. This is part of the increased responsibilities promised as the respected figure looks to convince people he’s worthy of becoming an NFL head coach once and for all.
This hasn’t transitioned to the tight-end room as yet. The Commanders have publicly stated their happiness with the team’s current options, even though the production in recent years does nothing to back up this statement.
It would be a big disappointment if the Commanders overlooked what’s widely projected to be one of the deepest draft classes for tight ends in recent memory. Something that could give them a long-term, sustainable solution to what’s become an ongoing complication.
Just what this would mean for Logan Thomas‘ future aspirations is anyone’s guess. The former quarterback has the athleticism to make a significant difference, but injuries and poor performances have hindered his growth considerably in recent years.
With just 323 receiving yards and one touchdown last season, Thomas’ role might not be clear-cut. Especially if a talented college prospect is acquired and the likes of Armani Rodgers or Cole Turner take a giant leap forward.
Cutting Thomas after June 1 saves the Commanders $6.92 million. This is something else that could factor into their thought process.