There was a different feel around the Washington Commanders during their offseason program. Head coach Dan Quinn and his staff raised the tempo considerably after a disastrous 2025 campaign. Players responded positively, eager to right this wrong at the first time of asking.
This was a positive for fans. Last season represented a setback, but faith in the project remains. That won't be the case if Washington's struggles continue again next time around. But for now, the signs are encouraging.
Quinn saw what he needed. Some players caught the eye, improving their chances of starting or earning roster spots. Unfortunately, it also seems others will be left behind unless something changes.
The Commanders have no room for a lack of effort, intensity, or work ethic this summer. Anyone not buying in or keeping standards high will get found out pretty quickly. With so much at stake for Quinn and general manager Adam Peters, they won't hesitate to shake things up if they believe it can help the franchise.
It's a fascinating dynamic for fans to watch over training camp and the preseason. But clues have already started to emerge about how various dynamics might play out.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players in increasingly precarious situations after Washington's offseason workout program.
Washington Commanders players who are firmly on the chopping block after offseason program
Ahkello Witherspoon - Commanders CB
The Commanders seem satisfied with their cornerback options. That's not an opinion shared by some fans and analysts, but Adam Peters is betting that an enhanced front seven will bring more out of the entire secondary next season.
It's a calculated risk, but it could pay off handsomely if defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' scheme has the desired effect.
Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, and free-agent signing Amik Robertson are cemented as the starting trio. The Commanders have questions around the rest, and they have even been experimenting with Quan Martin and Tyler Owens in the nickel spot over early workouts.
The lower down the depth chart you go, the more important special-teams prowess becomes. Ahkello Witherspoon doesn't offer much in that regard, and his indifferent performance levels over mandatory minicamp indicate a massive effort is needed when training camp and preseason games roll around.
Witherspoon is experienced. He's also got some pretty solid production throughout his career, with his size and length making him a sticky asset in coverage. Staying healthy has been a big problem in recent years, so it'll be interesting to see how he fares over the summer before his fate is determined.
It would be a big surprise if Witherspoon's name wasn't on the roster, but the pressure is undoubtedly building.
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