The Washington Commanders are still in a good position despite their mini-slump against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles. To be sitting in the postseason picture during the first season of a long-term rebuild is immensely encouraging. But make no mistake, the hard work is just getting started.
General manager Adam Peters will have a good lay of the land by this point. The respected front-office figure knows the Commanders are not ready to challenge the elite. He also knows that his exciting project is ahead of schedule with the 2025 offseason on the not-too-distant horizon.
Peters is well-positioned to strengthen the Commanders when the next recruitment period arrives. They have more than $103 million in salary-cap space with 31 players under contract. He also has seven draft picks, which could increase further depending on the moves made before or during the selection process.
Not every player will be new to the organization. Several Commanders players are doing their chances of an extended stay well based on their efforts so far this season. Here are five prime examples.
Commanders players cementing their future in Washington beyond 2024
Cornelius Lucas - Commanders OT
Cornelius Lucas was one of a select few Washington Commanders players out of contract who received an extension from the new regime. This was somewhat surprising to fans, but he's proven more than worthy of the financial commitment this season.
Lucas enjoyed a profitable offseason working within blocking concepts that made everyone on Washington's new-look offensive line better. The veteran was tasked with sharing blindside responsibilities with third-round rookie Brandon Coleman. It was an unusual approach, but one the Commanders have benefitted from enormously.
When Lucas went out through injury and Coleman was tasked with shouldering the load, that's when things began to unravel. The former Kansas State star is now healthy enough to participate. Washington should go back to what worked so well earlier in the campaign.
After giving up one sack and one penalty from 323 offensive snaps en route to a superb 77.0 grade from Pro Football Focus, the Commanders should think about handing Lucas another extension when the time comes. He's not getting any younger, but his presence as a capable understudy or sharing starting duties makes it a smart short-term investment.