Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
Luke McCaffrey was almost an innocent bystander during the Washington Commanders' incredible run to the NFC Championship game last season.
The wide receiver didn't get many targets within Kliff Kingsbury's scheme. There was a lot to like about McCaffrey's contribution in the return game down the stretch, but the former third-round pick remains an unknown quantity regarding his role on the offensive rotation.
Washington wasn't going to wait around and see if McCaffrey developed accordingly. Not when they went into win-now mode much sooner than expected.
The Commanders went out and traded for Deebo Samuel Sr., giving Jayden Daniels a legitimate, versatile weapon to go alongside Terry McLaurin. K.J. Osborn and Noah Brown were re-signed. There's also the presence of Michael Gallup to factor into the equation after one year out of the NFL through retirement.
There is extra competition in the wideout room for McCaffrey. The Rice product has a chance if the necessary development arrives. He flashed brief promise when rookie opportunities came his way. More is needed to firmly establish himself around so many productive veterans.
Peters believed enough in McCaffrey to make him the No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, a massive effort is needed from the pass-catcher to carve out a bigger role for himself.
Daron Payne - Commanders DT
The Commanders and Jonathan Allen went their separate ways this offseason. Adam Peters did right by the veteran defensive tackle by releasing him after a trade partner couldn't be found. He landed on his feet quickly, signing a bumper two-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings to reunite with ex-Washington coach Kevin O'Connell.
Peters moved swiftly to find a replacement. The Commanders gave Javon Kinlaw a three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. This was seen as an overpay by most, but the general manager believes his size and power can help counteract some of the league's most imposing offensive lines more effectively.
There are very few remaining pieces from Washington's bygone era. That's the price of progress. Peters has proven time and time again that anyone failing to justify their financial commitment will be shown the door.
That brings Daron Payne firmly under the microscope. There was no way Washington could get off his contract this offseason. He's still a big part of the team's defensive strategy and flashed dominance on occasion in 2024. But consistency can sometimes be an issue where the former first-round pick out of Alabama is concerned.
With Kinlaw and Johnny Newton also on the books, Payne needs to step up and remind the world why Washington gave him such a hefty contract extension. Otherwise, he'll be a prime salary-cap casualty next spring.
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