3 Commanders with emerging importance after free-agent moves in 2023
By Dean Jones
Jamin Davis – Commanders LB
After the Washington Commanders signed Cody Barton in free agency, all signs pointed to Cole Holcomb taking his chances elsewhere. The linebacker ended up in a pretty good spot with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which could indicate great things in the player’s future under revered head coach Mike Tomlin.
That’s not of the Commanders’ concern anymore. Barton could be an upgrade if he builds on the best campaign of his professional career last time around, but Holcomb’s departure piles additional pressure on Jamin Davis to take that next leap entering Year 3 with the team.
Davis went over 100 tackles last season and flashed moments of real quality. However, there was just something missing in terms of three-down consistency that must be addressed as a matter of urgency this offseason.
The former Kentucky star has all the physical tools needed to become dominant. This might not have occurred as yet, but Ron Rivera continues to place a significant amount of faith in the player with his job status set to be under scrutiny once the Commanders are sold.
Again, it would be worth Washington adding another speedy linebacker to their ranks via the 2023 NFL Draft. But that does not detract from the important role Davis will play for Jack Del Rio’s defense when competitive games resume.