A season that promised a great deal for everyone associated with the Washington Commanders is on the brink of collapse. It's been a harsh reality that this franchise might not have been as ahead of schedule as some thought, and the cracks are showing.
Of course, the injury bit biting Washington harder than arguably any other team hasn't helped. Head coach Dan Quinn isn't using that as an excuse, but it's denied him the chance to have his strongest group from start to finish. There is also the matter of having the NFL's oldest roster, which is bringing a labored approach that opposing teams have no trouble picking apart.
If things don't improve in the coming weeks, which could go either way upon closer examination of their schedule, general manager Adam Peters has some big decisions to make. This all starts with somehow getting the Commanders younger and more competitive with the money and draft assets available when the offseason arrives.
It'll be interesting to see how things unfold from here. It's also fascinating to see how Peters approaches his third recruitment period at the helm, knowing that franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels will become extension-eligible after the 2026 campaign.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players whose time in Washington looks almost over at the 2025 midseason point.
Commanders players whose time in Washington looks almost over at midseason
Andrew Wylie - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders called upon Andrew Wylie in their hour of need this season. Dan Quinn and his staff thrust him back into a starting role after just two weeks. After operating primarily as an offensive tackle throughout his career, he moved to the right guard spot at the expense of his ex-Kansas City Chiefs teammate, Nick Allegretti.
Wylie brought stability and assurance to the role. It was desperately needed, but once established franchise cornerstone Sam Cosmi returned to health, the two-time Super Bowl champion went back to the bench.
Having solid offensive line depth is something every NFL team covets. Wylie is versatile, capable of slotting almost anywhere and giving a good account of himself. But with his contract expiring next spring, rumors are swirling about the lineman potentially being on the trade block in the coming days. And there is reportedly interest if the Commanders make him available.
That wouldn't be smart, unless Peters receives an offer he cannot refuse. But either way, it does appear as if Wylie's time with the Commanders will come to an end when free agency hits.
Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders had a potentially potent cornerback group heading into the 2025 season. Adam Peters signed Jonathan Jones in free agency. He also spent a second-round pick on Trey Amos to go alongside Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, and the re-signed Noah Igbinoghene.
However, this hasn't materialized. Washington's secondary has been a massive disappointment. A lack of pass-rush hasn't helped, but everyone aside from Amos hasn't met expectations for one reason or another. As for Igbinoghene? He's moved firmly to the fringes.
Igbinoghene performed well in defensive responsibilities last season. He flashed enormous promise from the nickel, which allowed Sainristil to switch and flourish on the boundary. The additions have significantly diminished his role, and there are rumors that the former Auburn standout could be traded before the 2025 deadline if suitable interest arises.
Regardless of whether this scenario comes to fruition, it's hard to see Igbinoghene sticking around once his contract expires.
Chris Moore - Commanders WR
The Commanders' wide receiver room has been decimated by injury problems this season. Terry McLaurin will take his absences to five by missing the game against the Seattle Seahawks. Noah Brown hasn't been around since Week 2. Deebo Samuel Sr. has toughed it out despite his heel problem, but his play-making has taken a dip along the way.
It's not ideal. Head coach Dan Quinn isn't using injuries as an excuse, but he very well could. This forced the Commanders to scrape the bottom of the barrel for free-agent additions while also calling players up from the practice squad to find solutions.
Chris Moore wasn't expected to stick around after a less-than-stellar summer. He got a reprieve on the practice squad and was the first one to be activated to the 53-man roster amid Washington's health concerns. He's made some impressive plays, but nothing to suggest the Commanders shouldn't look elsewhere for better depth next spring.
Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB
Bobby Wagner is one of the game's greats. He's a future first ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer without debate, with his credentials holding up against any prolific linebacker in the modern era.
However, it's hard not to look at his performances this season and not think this could be his last year — both in Washington and regarding his NFL journey overall.
Wagner is still a supreme communicator. He's still getting to the ball and can be a difference-maker against the run. At the same time, he's playing a lot slower, and teams are actively targeting him as a weak link in stretch runs and coverage.
That is a far cry from when teams used to do everything in their power to limit Wagner's influence at the peak of his powers. Father Time catches up to everyone in the end, and although the 10-time Pro Bowler has held it off for longer than expected, the diminished athleticism and reactions are painfully apparent.
Zach Ertz - Commanders TE
The Washington Commanders managed to squeeze some extra juice out of Zach Ertz's career when most experts thought he was done. He immediately integrated himself within the team's culture shift, becoming a leadership presence in the locker room and a dependable outlet for quarterback Jayden Daniels in the passing game.
Washington rightfully rewarded Ertz with a new one-year extension. Interest in free agency would have been high for the tight end, but this was the only place he wanted to be. Things are not going as well for the Commanders this time around, and the three-time Pro Bowler is showing signs of regression.
Ertz is still on pace for 550 receiving yards, but it's been relatively pedestrian thus far. The Stanford product offers no real threat after the catch. He struggles as a blocker, and the routes just aren't as sharp these days. If the same trend continues, the Commanders need to find a younger, more explosive pass-catcher at the tight end spot this offseason.
Nick Bellore - Commanders LB
There is no doubt that the Commanders need to get younger during the offseason. Adam Peters moved forward with the NFL's oldest roster after several abysmal drafts under former head coach Ron Rivera, which set the franchise back. But running it back with those who achieved so much during the 2024 campaign hasn't paid off.
That's the harsh truth right now. It's not going to be easy, but almost every seasoned professional approaching the tail-end of their respective careers should be nervously looking over their shoulders once the season concludes.
Nick Bellore is one of them.
The special-teams ace signed a new two-year deal with the club this offseason. His leadership and organization have been commended almost constantly by head coach Dan Quinn, but Bellore is not getting any younger. Washington has more dynamic young players capable of filling out his duties, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him cut loose when the time comes.
Noah Brown - Commanders WR
The Commanders believed enough in Noah Brown to give him a new one-year deal this offseason. His production was good on the field, especially given his late arrival to the team's preparations, but an unfortunate internal injury that required kidney surgery ended his 2024 campaign early.
This became the start of a concerning trend. Brown endured a torrid run of luck on the health front this time around, which began by getting carted off at Washington's mandatory minicamp with a knee complication that never looked fully healed over the summer.
Brown was treated with caution. He managed to come back for the start of 2025. However, he lasted just two games before getting hurt. After giving him a few weeks to prove his fitness, the Commanders finally placed the former Ohio State playmaker on injured reserve.
This will take Brown out until after the bye week. It remains to be seen whether he'll get back into the fold, but the Commanders must go in a different direction next spring.