5 Washington Commanders players who robbed the team blind in 2024

These Commanders players did not provide value for money.

Michael Davis
Michael Davis | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Former Commanders CB

Ron Rivera made plenty of mistakes during his time as head coach and primary decision-maker from a personnel standpoint. This was especially evident with his first-round draft picks.

None are still around. Chase Young was traded before Adam Peters arrived. Once the general manager got a good look at Washington's roster, he didn't hesitate to dispose of the three other first-round choices from Rivera's confidence-sapping tenure.

Jahan Dotson was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. We've already spoken about Jamin Davis' misfortune en route to being waived. Perhaps the most tragic tale of all came with Emmanuel Forbes Jr.

Rivera went into the 2023 NFL Draft with almost sole focus on Forbes. Even when Christian Gonzalez fell out of the top 10 and into their laps, there was only one prospect he wanted to take.

This was a grave error in judgment. Gonzalez firmly established himself as a shutdown presence this season. Forbes couldn't compensate for his lack of size and gradually went to the shadows under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.

Much like the situation with Davis, it was only a matter of time before Forbes became surplus to requirements. He was waived and scooped up quickly by the Los Angeles Rams. Another major lack of personnel nous from Rivera — a concerning trait that became synonymous with his tenure.

Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT

Jonathan Allen is an established locker room presence. Unfortunately for the veteran defensive tackle, he is no longer the force of old.

That's pretty obvious now. Allen did well to fight back from a torn pectoral suffered in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens. He was outstanding at the Detroit Lions to help Washington pull off the playoff's biggest upset. His production was inconsistent at best aside from that.

Allen is no longer guaranteed to be a game-wrecker every week. He's lost some of the interior explosiveness that made him a dominant force once upon a time. The former first-round pick's leadership remains a major asset, but his future is firmly under a cloud entering the offseason.

The two-time Pro Bowler is entering the final year of his deal. There is no more guaranteed money left on Allen's contract. The fact Washington was bullied in the trenches (on both sides) during their NFC Championship loss could see general manager Adam Peters ring the changes.

Trading or releasing Allen this offseason comes with $16.47 million in salary-cap savings with $6 million in dead money. There could be interest in the player if the Commanders made him available, so it's a situation worth monitoring before the 2025 NFL Draft.

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