The Washington Commanders are trimming their squad to an initial 53-man roster. However, general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn will also be keeping a close eye on the waiver wire for any outside help in positions of need.
But there is one glaring temptation involving one of Quinn's former players that the Commanders must resist.
According to reports, the New York Jets have waived defensive lineman Mazi Smith following a brief yet underwhelming stint with the AFC East club. He was part of the trade package that sent Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys, but he didn't do enough to make any sort of impact.
Commanders should not entertain Mazi Smith waiver claims after Jets exit
Of course, Quinn was the defensive coordinator in Dallas when Smith was selected No. 26 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. His lack of consistency and effort led to his failings, and the Cowboys were only too willing to give him away in their quest to acquire a legitimate difference-maker in Williams.
Quinn is extremely loyal to his players, old and new. The Commanders also have some depth concerns in the defensive trenches after losing 2024 second-round pick Johnny Newton to a torn pectoral muscle.
However, they should not remotely consider Smith as a viable option.
The Michigan product just doesn't look interested in playing football most of the time. Quinn gave him countless chances as a rookie in Dallas, but he almost always fluffed his lines. Things didn't get much better once the coach departed, and the Jets were signing guys off the street rather than giving him game time over the second half of 2025.
Washington could use another dependable depth piece with Newton out of action. Peters might be content with what he has, but if he does decide more is required, Smith should not be on the shortlist.
Smith's career trajectory is a tale of draft status not meaning much if there is no desire to back it up. Getting drafted is not the end; it's merely the beginning. And the former Wolverines game-wrecker just doesn't seem to want it enough.
That's the long and short of it. And for someone who values commitment and a strong work ethic highly, Quinn should know that full well.
The Commanders could use waivers to strengthen their interior defensive line within Daronte Jones' 3-4 scheme behind Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and Tim Settle Jr. They are currently relying on players like Charles Omenihu, Ricky Barber, Shy Tuttle, and Maurice Hurst II, which isn't ideal. But when discussions begin on waiver claims, it would be surprising if Smith was among the candidates.
There are too many risks compared to the potential rewards. And the player has nobody to blame but himself.
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