If the Washington Commanders want to get out of the hole they dug for themselves, everyone must make a lasting contribution. Given the injury problems that decimated the franchise's hopes in 2025, those lower down the depth chart must be ready to do their part.
General manager Adam Peters worked hard to improve depth and increase competition for places throughout a busy offseason. He's always striving for improvements, as evidenced by the recent signing of veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas. More acquisitions may be on the way. But for now, the roster looks in better shape than it did this time last year.
Washington's bounce-back chances will be predicated on the franchise cornerstones staying healthy and performing as expected. But if the Commanders want to go another step further to become a playoff contender again, every single player who makes the team has a role to play.
And there are some going under the radar who could end up becoming bigger pieces of the puzzle than expected.
With this in mind, here are six projected Commanders backups who are not getting enough attention as training camp approaches.
Washington Commanders backups who aren't being talked about enough before training camp
Jordan Magee - Commanders LB
The Commanders are well-stocked at the linebacker position after signing Leo Chenal in free agency and spending the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft on Sonny Styles. Frankie Luvu is moving back to an off-ball role after spending more time on the edge last season, and there is also the presence of Jordan Magee to factor into the equation.
Magee is a curious case. The 2024 fifth-round pick has all the athletic intangibles one could look for in a productive linebacker in the pros. His speed, explosiveness, and physicality look tailor-made for the schematic concepts Daronte Jones plans to run, and the flashes he has shown when called upon over the last two years offer reasons for encouragement.
If Magee can put everything together, improve his pursuit angles, and make his tackles count, the Commanders could have a special player on their hands.
Charles Omenihu - Commanders DL/OLB
Adam Peters prioritized defensive reinforcements this offseason, and rightfully so. Charles Omenihu's arrival on a one-year deal in free agency went completely overlooked compared to other high-profile acquisitions, but that does not detract from what a useful presence he could become with a better run of luck on the injury front.
Omenihu was a solid player for the Kansas City Chiefs, often coming alive when the lights were brightest in the playoffs. He's got the size, length, and versatility to occupy a key role on the rotation. While his production dipped in 2025, this was his first year back from a serious injury.
It was always going to take time for Omenihu to find his football legs again. The Commanders have an embarrassment of riches on the edge, but the Super Bowl winner is confident he can make a lasting impact in Daronte Jones' system.
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