Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
Things have not gone well for Ben Sinnott since he was selected at No. 53 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders thought he could potentially become the heir apparent to Zach Ertz with some extra refinement, but he's been a complete non-factor over his first two seasons.
Kliff Kingsbury clearly didn't trust Sinnott. Even when Ertz went down with a torn ACL, he continued to stay on the fringes. The play-caller is no longer around, bringing renewed optimism around the Kansas State product's outlook in 2026.
David Blough's system is expected to utilize tight ends more heavily. The Commanders signed Chig Okonkwo in free agency, who instantly becomes the new focal point. Even so, there could be a strong part for Sinnott to play if everything goes well over the summer.
Perhaps moving Sinnott to an H-Back-tight end tweener could be the spark that unlocks him. But whatever role he is given, he has to deliver.
Percy Butler - Commanders S
The Commanders didn't do much to enhance their safety options this offseason. Daronte Jones believes he can bring more out of those who underachieved last season, which represents a significant leap of faith that could legitimately go either way.
Not everyone on the books will make it onto the 53-man roster. Jones' scheme is predicated on versatility, aggression, and explosiveness. Several tick those boxes, but it'll be a numbers game with no margin for error.
That brings Percy Butler under the microscope.
He is one of only two remaining players from the ill-fated 2022 NFL Draft class still in Washington. The defensive back got an extension ahead of time last offseason, but he remains nothing more than a special-teams presence rather than a high contributor to the defensive rotation.
With the competition for places so fierce, Butler's status is far from assured. Cutting him would save $2.12 million on the Commanders' salary cap.
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
As mentioned previously, the wide receiver dynamic could change quickly if the Commanders add another productive veteran to the mix. Adam Peters has not shown his hand on that as yet, and there is quiet confidence in the building that one or more of the young hopefuls behind Terry McLaurin can raise their influence within David Blough's system.
It's a make-or-break campaign for Luke McCaffrey. The No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft has been used sparingly on the offensive rotation over the first two years of his professional career. He's shown an ability to create separation, and he's typically dependable when targets come his way. However, there is something preventing the Commanders from getting him heavily involved as yet.
That has to change this time around. McCaffrey will never get a better chance to impose himself, but the same can be said for everyone behind McLaurin. And if someone like Brandon Aiyuk or Stefon Diggs enters the mix, that'll make it more difficult.
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