The Washington Commanders aren't in the business of carrying dead weight these days. If players aren't developing accordingly or not buying into the project fully, they are not going to last long.
This is the right way to run the football operation. The Commanders attached sentiment to their decision-making process too often under previous regimes, and the downward spiral was glaring. Adam Peters and Dan Quinn are doing things differently, which was further evidenced by the release of second-year linebacker Dominique Hampton.
Hampton is the first draft pick made by Peters deemed surplus to requirements. Although it raised a few eyebrows, nobody should be surprised. The former fifth-round pick just couldn't establish himself, and his woeful showing in Washington's preseason opener against the New England Patriots represented the final nail in his proverbial Commanders' coffin.
Dominique Hampton wasn't claimed off waivers after abrupt Commanders release
Quinn stated that if it's not working out, they would rather get rid of players too early than too late. Hampton never met the required standard, and his abrupt departure should serve as a warning to others for good measure.
If Hampton was hoping for an instant opportunity elsewhere, he was out of luck. The safety-turned-linebacker wasn't claimed by anyone off waivers, which places his career prospects firmly in the balance with just a few short weeks remaining until the regular season begins.
Perhaps this was just teams not willing to take on Hampton's rookie contract, although it wasn't exactly crippling to any salary cap. Other organizations are always more keen to pick up players on one-year deals with no financial ramifications attached if they don't make the grade. That's the best way to get a potential steal.
Even so, it'll be an anxious wait for Hampton. He took five years to get going in college. It looks like it's going to be the same slow burn in the pros. And as every NFL fan knows, professional teams are often impatient when it comes to those further down the pecking order.
What comes next for Hampton is unclear. Another opportunity in the league could arrive at some stage. If not, then there are other ways to stay involved in the pursuit of galvanizing his prospects.
Hampton could end up in the UFL or CFL if the phone doesn't ring from another NFL franchise. They are always willing to take on young draft picks who get cast aside quickly. And a lot of them end up getting another shot in the big time if their performances are deserving.
The versatile defender wasn't a good fit for the Commanders. It might be all doom and gloom right now, but Hampton hasn't lost all hope just yet.