Andre Jones Jr. - Commanders DE/OLB
The Washington Commanders were found wanting in the trenches when it counted last season. They were overwhelmed by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game en route to a heartbreaking defeat. Considering the newly crowned Super Bowl champions also reside within their division, rectifying this issue was an urgent need Adam Peters needed to resolve this offseason.
Peters brought in experienced performers. Javon Kinlaw was an overpay, but nobody will be complaining too much about the price tag if the former South Carolina standout becomes a prolific replacement for recently released veteran Jonathan Allen.
Those acquired on the edge also have questions to answer. Washington's depth looks improved, but this unit lacks a legitimate game-wrecker capable of becoming the primary focus of opposing protection schemes. Peters will scour the incoming draft class for solutions, but it'll be a waiting game from No. 29 overall.
Regardless of which draft picks are used in the edge-rushing room, things don't look especially promising for Andre Jones Jr. He's one of very few Ron Rivera selections still around. He bounced on and off the squad last season but managed to get a reserve/futures contract once the campaign concluded.
This gives Jones another crack at establishing himself. But the chances of that are slim, reading between the lines.
Bobby Price - Commanders CB
Bobby Price was a late addition to the Commanders last season. He wasn't given any involvement on the defensive rotation but featured as a special teamer. His flashes were enough for those in power to decide a more prolonged look was required over the offseason.
The Commanders signed Price to a reserve/futures contract. This came with intrigue considering Michael Davis and Benjamin St-Juste were going to depart in free agency. Unfortunately for the player, Washington made some impressive moves that give him a sizable task when organized team activities begin.
Washington signed two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones to provide another experienced presence to go alongside Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil. The Commanders also re-signed Noah Igbinoghene to a one-year deal after the former first-round pick impressed from the slot last time around.
That will make things more difficult for Price or anyone else to get involved. With speculation running rampant about the Commanders targeting a college cornerback with one of their early draft selections, it'll be a nervous wait for those looking to cement their respective positions on the depth chart.
Price got a vote of confidence from the Commanders despite his limited involvement in 2024. Time will tell as to whether or not this amounts to something more.