Eddie Goldman - Commanders DL
The Washington Commanders' defensive line interior received a massive investment this offseason. Adam Peters gave Javon Kinlaw a three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed, which was expected to fill the void left by Jonathan Allen after his prolific time with the franchise concluded.
Kinlaw has flashed, but nothing more. Daron Payne's been decent, but the Commanders could deem him expendable next spring. Johnny Newton remains on the rotation and has not met his pre-draft billing as yet. As for Eddie Goldman? The savvy veteran has shown much more promise.
Goldman was expected to be a depth piece at best after joining the Commanders in free agency. He's surged into an important role, providing a fierce asset against the run, with a robust base that can move linemen off their spots.
Even though the Commanders need to get younger this offseason, Goldman is a few more good performances away from getting another deal.
Treylon Burks - Commanders WR
The Commanders' receiving corps has massively underachieved this season. Availability is a primary factor behind their demise, with Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown, and Luke McCaffrey all missing considerable time throughout the campaign.
This has provided opportunities for others. Fringe players have become starters, and those looking for new opportunities have been given lifelines. One of those is Treylon Burks, who joined the Commanders recently after being cast aside by the Tennessee Titans.
Burks is a physically imposing wideout who never put it all together in Tennessee, thanks in no small part to some frustrating injuries. The Commanders believe there is something to salvage, and his flashes during two games before missing Week 11 through injury represent a solid foundation from which to build.
If Burks gets back and manages to make an impact after the bye week, the Commanders could extend him to see if further development arrives with a full offseason under his belt in Washington.
Darnell Savage Jr. - Commanders S
The Commanders are experiencing some difficulties at the safety position this season. And judging by head coach Dan Quinn's decisions in his first game as the defensive play-caller against the Miami Dolphins, he is growing increasingly frustrated with Quan Martin's efforts.
Martin was expected to be a legitimate breakout star in 2025. He hasn't come close to meeting these expectations, with his poor coverage, support, and woeful tackling becoming an ongoing frustration throughout the campaign. Quinn reduced his involvement considerably in Week 11, and Darnell Savage Jr. was the primary beneficiary.
Savage was a late arrival to the squad this season. He's flashed immense promise, but he lacks the physicality Quinn typically looks for in his defensive backs. With Will Harris expected to return from injury sooner rather than later, the first-round pick out of Maryland is about to find out what the Commanders really think about his long-term outlook.