Phidarian Mathis - Commanders DL
The Washington Commanders gave Phidarian Mathis another chance to prove himself in 2024. They traded John Ridgeway III to the New Orleans Saints and kept faith with the defensive tackle. This was a supreme vote of confidence — one that hasn't gone according to plan.
Mathis got some reps earlier than expected. The Commanders were dealt a blow when Jonathan Allen suffered a torn bicep in Week 6. Despite splitting reps with second-round rookie Johnny Newton, this was a foot in the door if nothing else.
That changed pretty dramatically. Washington's coaching staff weren't happy with Mathis' contribution as Newton shone. The 2022 second-round pick has been a healthy scratch over the last two games, which is a damning indictment of how his performances are being perceived by those in power.
The lineman seems motivated to get back involved based on his social media posts. Whether the reality ends up being disappointing for Mathis remains to be seen, but it wouldn't cost the Commanders much to move on from the player this offseason.
If this likely scenario comes to fruition, it's another high-end draft pick from the Rivera era who couldn't meet raised standards under the new regime.
Percy Butler - Commanders S
Big changes could be coming to Washington's safety room in 2025. Nobody should feel safe for one reason or another. That's the price of progress if the Commanders want to take the next step into contention.
Quan Martin is solid against the run but a liability in coverage. The same goes for Jeremy Chinn to a lesser extent, although the former second-round pick is performing well enough for a new deal all things considered.
As for the rest? All bets are off.
Darrick Forrest is out of contract and probably won't be back. Undrafted free agent Tyler Owens has some nice athletic upside but is an unknown quantity. Percy Butler hasn't met expectations when given defensive responsibilities on the rotation.
Butler's been an asset on special teams, which could give him a reprieve. But make no mistake, the Commanders won't hesitate to dispose of the player with one year remaining on his deal if a better option can be acquired at some stage.