Nick Bellore - Commanders LB
Nick Bellore's two-year extension this offseason was richly deserved. The aging linebacker might not have the juice to be featured on the defensive rotation these days, but he's a strong special-teams presence capable of leading from the front.
The Washington Commanders are expecting similar returns from Bellore this time around. He's not getting any younger at 36 years old, but there's a good chance he can make the roster comfortably. Even so, the team's influx of explosive young talent could be enough to keep urgency high.
Players like Jordan Magee, rookie Kain Medrano, Tyler Owens, Car'lin Vigers, Robert McDaniel, and Percy Butler have all impressed. They can also add more dynamism to the special teams group for good measure.
Again, Bellore's experience and savvy veteran know-how should be enough to see his name on the final 53-man roster when push comes to shove. But if standards slip and Father Time begins to catch up with him, others will be chomping at the bit to take his place.
Nobody will be more aware of this than Bellore. Getting a new deal was a big plus. It will count for nothing if complacency creeps in, which could quickly make the second-level presence expendable.
Kevon Seymour - Commanders CB
The Commanders have a strong cornerback room entering the 2025 campaign. They have four legitimate starting options with proven production. Adam Peters also spent his second-round pick on Trey Amos, whose early efforts indicate he can occupy a prominent spot on the depth chart immediately.
One or two spots are still open, depending on how many corners end up on Washington's roster in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones, Noah Igbinoghene, and Amos will all make it. That decreases the margin of error for others, so one could argue that Kevon Seymour is already playing catch-up.
Seymour is looking to get onto the squad by any means necessary. Bobby Price has the same goal. There's also momentum building around undrafted free-agent Car'lin Vigers, who's off to a good start and showcased his versatile athleticism throughout Washington's offseason program.
This lays down the gauntlet to Seymour. The former sixth-round pick has the benefit of being around the roster briefly last season, which should serve him well. But the fact others in the cornerback unit are thriving doesn't exactly bode well for his chances.
While Seymour's special-teams prowess might be his saving grace, things are still hanging precariously.