Raising competition for places was high on the Washington Commanders' list of objectives this offseason. General manager Adam Peters recognized the need to enhance starting options and improve depth following the 2025 campaign, which fell well short of expectations. He accomplished this feat with his customary ruthlessness and poise.
Things look more encouraging for the Commanders now. They look younger, hungrier, and ready to prove themselves after a down year. It'll be an intense summer for those looking to stake a claim, and Washington's coaching staff will provide them with every opportunity to force their way into the team's plans.
Competition breeds success. Nobody wants to get cut. Everyone is pulling in the same direction in pursuit of one common goal, but there is no room for error if the Commanders want to bounce back.
Some will be under more pressure than others. Peters and head coach Dan Quinn are in constant evaluation mode, and there is enough salary-cap space to make more changes if needed. But for a select few, giving up on them despite shakier statuses wouldn't be wise right now.
With this in mind, here are eight Commanders players who could improve enough to defy the odds.
Players the Washington Commanders can't give up on, even with their jobs at risk
Car'lin Vigers - Commanders DB
One area that didn't get much attention this offseason was the cornerback room. Several veterans departed. The Commanders only brought in Amik Robertson and Ahkello Witherspoon to replace them. Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil are still around, but most fans believe more is required to ensure this doesn't become a weak link.
Until then, there will be opportunities for others. Car'lin Vigers might fancy his chances of making a bigger impression after spending last season on the practice squad. He's also got the size, physicality, and eye discipline to potentially mold into a decent contributor.
Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR
The Commanders looked like they may have found something in wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks last summer. An undrafted free agent with promise, he put together an outstanding training camp, leading many to believe he'd done enough to book his place on the 53-man roster.
That didn't happen, but Brooks stuck around on the practice squad. He was called up to the active roster once, earning seven offensive snaps. That won't guarantee anything this time around, but the experience of being around the setup should serve him well.
At 6-foot-3 with some useful athleticism, Brooks could be impactful. While the stakes have been raised in the receiver room, don't count him out by any stretch.
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