Jamin Davis - Former Commanders LB/DE
Ron Rivera was a former linebacker before embarking on his coaching career. That's what made his complete neglect of the Washington Commanders' defensive second level even more bizarre.
The new regime wasn't going to make the same mistake. Adam Peters and Dan Quinn wasted no time in fortifying their linebacking corps in free agency. Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner came into the fold, which provided an injection of professionalism and energy that was sorely lacking previously.
This was exactly what the Commanders had in mind. It was an integral part of the team's renaissance both on and off the field. Unfortunately, it wasn't good news for everyone.
Jamin Davis was the prime example. After starting over his first three seasons, Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. had no real use for him as a linebacker. The Commanders tried switching to an edge rusher, but it didn't have the desired effect despite taking him through onto the 53-man roster.
Davis went from an established presence on defense to a healthy scratch more often than not. He didn't fit the scheme and the Commanders found upgrades where once he was the top dog. It came as no surprise to see the former first-round pick waived during the season after contributing almost nothing to the cause.
Darrick Forrest - Commanders S
Darrick Forrest was a curious case throughout the campaign. The safety looked to have a bright future entering the 2023 season before injury struck. He lasted just five games and couldn't get back. This also ended his once-productive partnership with Kamren Curl on the backend.
Curl moved to the Los Angeles Rams in free agency after the Commanders opted not to offer him a new deal. The new regime switched Quan Martin to the safety corps and signed former second-round pick Jeremy Chinn in free agency. When Forrest was ready to return, he found himself on the outside looking in.
The Commanders weren't confident in Forrest what whatever reason. He was active for three games out of the first 10. He went from 99 percent of the team's defensive snaps when healthy in 2023 to just 12% under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. The trust wasn't there and he couldn't force his way into the team's plans.
Forrest will be a free agent this spring. He's probably relishing the prospect of starting fresh elsewhere whether the Commanders offer him a new deal or not. This represents a sad end for someone who looked capable of being a core foundational piece once upon a time.