Jonathan Jones - Commanders CB
If veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore hadn't torn his ACL during the Washington Commanders' embarrassing loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9, perhaps general manager Adam Peters would have been more willing to move one player from that group before the trade deadline. But unfortunately, the numbers game was not working in his favor.
Lattimore has likely played his final snap in Washington. For those who'll be tasked with stepping up in his prolonged absence, this represents a final opportunity to show they have some future with the Commanders beyond 2025.
Noah Igbinoghene should be active, but just how much time he'll see on the field is another matter. Joe Whitt Jr. will probably move Mike Sainristil to the boundary, which leaves Jonathan Jones manning the nickel spot.
Jones was another veteran pickup this offseason. The two-time Super Bowl winner was expected to provide dependability, leadership, and experience in big moments. Injuries have stunted his ability to be impactful, but the Commanders have no choice other than to feature him prominently the rest of the way.
How Jones performs will carry grave ramifications. It will ultimately be the difference between getting a new deal in Washington and not. However, there's a chance no offer will arrive from anywhere if there is severe regression.
Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR
There was late buzz about the Commanders potentially trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. in the hours leading up to the trade deadline. Rumors were swirling about the Buffalo Bills potentially making calls, but even if they did, what they were offering was not enough for general manager Adam Peters to take the plunge.
The Commanders aren't exactly blessed with dependable wideout options. Terry McLaurin will likely be out until after the bye week. Noah Brown might not be seen again after getting hurt in Week 2. Luke McCaffrey was the latest to go on injured reserve after breaking his collarbone on the opening kickoff in Week 9.
That makes Samuel an integral part of Washington's offensive strategy. He's been dealing with a heel problem that has limited his explosiveness in recent weeks. Even so, the pressure is on to produce the goods and convince Peters that he is worthy of another lucrative financial commitment when the 2025 campaign ends.
Those chances have improved by the mere fact he's still around, but it could still legitimately go either way. Samuel will probably want a hefty salary, so anything less than exceptional performance levels in the coming weeks could see Peters go in a different direction.