Even though the Washington Commanders still have four games left to navigate this season, their aspirations became a lost cause long ago. Head coach Dan Quinn's squad is on an eight-game losing streak and sits at 3-10. Their playoff dreams are turning to ashes, so there is no telling where this ambitious franchise goes from here.
General manager Adam Peters has a lot of hard work ahead this offseason. Fans are giving him the benefit of the doubt for now. However, that won't be the case if he cannot make the roster alterations needed to get things back on track when his third recruitment period commences.
Peters and Quinn will find out a lot more about their players over the next month. It would be easy to throw in the towel and go through the motions before things conclude. However, that is not the standard this club set for itself during a memorable run to the NFC Championship game in Year 1 of the new regime.
It's about personal pride. It's about showing some fight and staying the course amid significant adversity. It's also about improving their chances of staying beyond 2025 or getting another job in a different environment. And make no mistake, Quinn and some senior figures in the locker room will be watching closely.
For some, things are hanging by a thread. But for these seven Commanders players, they are getting dangerously close to being done in Washington.
Commanders players dangerously close to being done in Washington
Jonathan Jones - Commanders CB
This is not a time to be sentimental or emotionally attached. Adam Peters has displayed a cutthroat mindset since joining the Washington Commanders, and that must continue. He might not like some choices, but the difficult decisions must be made for the greater good.
Jonathan Jones is an interesting case. The veteran cornerback joined the Commanders in free agency after a prolific spell with the New England Patriots. He brought outstanding production and Super Bowl-winning credentials to the table. He thought linking up with head coach Dan Quinn could get him another ring, but it's been far from that case.
The Commanders have failed to meet the required standards. Jones' contribution has been fleeting, restricted by injury. He's played a lot more in recent weeks after returning to health. Still, one couldn't look at his performance levels and think he'd get another extension from the organization next spring.
Massive changes are coming to the cornerback unit this offseason. And when the dust settles, Jones will probably be playing in a different uniform next season.
Signing him was a good move by Peters, but things just haven't worked out as anyone hoped.