Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB
David Blough acknowledged that the Washington Commanders need more at the running back position for his scheme to go smoothly. The new offensive coordinator has confidence in Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but he seems eager not to rely too heavily on the seventh-round pick despite an encouraging rookie year.
Croskey-Merritt will be around. As for the rest? It's hard to make a projection for sure, though Chris Rodriguez Jr. could get an exclusive rights tender to see if there is any more untapped potential remaining.
Jeremy McNichols' future is much more uncertain. The veteran is a respected locker room member and a valuable contributor on special teams. But after two years of moderate at best production on the offensive rotation, this might be a good time for the Commanders and the player to go their separate ways.
McNichols may get another one-year extension. But nobody would be shedding many tears if the Commanders moved on.
Preston Smith - Commanders DE
Washington's defensive edge will look a lot different by the time on-field preparations for the 2026 campaign begin. Anything less, and general manager Adam Peters runs the risk of finding himself on the hot seat.
Thankfully, this notion wasn't lost on the general manager. Peters wants to prioritize the pass-rushing options at Washington's disposal. He's going to be aggressive in pursuit of finding the right pieces to fit into defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' scheme. And aside from Dorance Armstrong Jr., nobody is a lock to return.
Preston Smith is among them. The veteran made an emotional return to Washington after Deatrich Wise Jr. got hurt. But it was clear from a long way out that this nostalgic move was not going to yield the desired results.
Smith mustered just 0.5 sacks and looked overwhelmed more often than not. The Commanders were out of options when they turned to him, but that's as far as this relationship should go.
Will Harris - Commanders S
Daronte Jones praised almost every safety under contract during his introductory press conference. However, fans are simply not buying it.
The Commanders need more — a lot more. Jones needs versatile, explosive players on the back end of his defense for this grand plan to work. Reinforcements are coming, and there are only so many places to go around.
That is enough to put everyone on edge. And for veteran defensive back Will Harris, his name could be firmly on the chopping block if the correct upgrades are found in free agency or the draft.
Harris didn't perform well last season, his first in Washington. Injuries are a viable excuse, but the consistency was nowhere near where it needed to be. It made general manager Adam Peters' decision to let Jeremy Chinn walk look even worse, so it'll be interesting to see if the veteran survives the Commanders' upcoming roster revamp.