The Washington Commanders have given their roster a facelift this offseason. That applies to no position more than their expanded linebacker group.
Under new coordinator Daronte Jones, Washington is expected to run a 3-4 scheme with its edge rushers effectively joining a linebacker corps that itself added prized first-round rookie Sonny Styles and the versatile Leo Chenal. Rugged enforcer Frankie Luvu is still here too, with hopes high for a return to his 2024 second-team All-Pro form after spending much of last year playing out of position.
Someone has to be the odd man out. Unfortunately, it might be a player for whom fans were hoping could be a prime breakout candidate.
Jordan Magee must fight for his Commanders opportunities, but that hasn't stopped him yet
Last season, while the rest of Washington's 2024 NFL Draft class struggled to meet Year 2 expectations, Magee was the bright spot. The fifth-round pick who had been bitten by the injury bug as a rookie emerged into a regular starter late in the season, bringing an exciting spark to the Commanders' lethargic defense with his speed and energy.
Magee was considered the heir to Bobby Wagner's throne at the middle linebacker spot, and one of the few defensive starters Washington should feel comfortable about returning in 2026. But the Commanders' offseason has thrown a wrench into that idea. Now, the Temple University product must prove himself all over again.
It's likely that Magee is a safe bet to make Washington's roster and to play into the linebacker rotation, but just how often he's able to get on the field is a question. The Commanders will likely start Luvu and Styles, with Chenal as the team's ultimate utility piece. That will leave the third-year pro in a difficult bind to generate his fair share of defensive reps in the regular season.
Such has been the case throughout Magee's career.
Finding a role at all as a Day 3 draft selection is no sure thing — case in point, the other linebacker Washington drafted in the same round that same year, Dominique Hampton, is already out of the league. By making it this far, the Towson, Maryland native has already exceeded his expected value.
But he's not satisfied there, and Commanders fans shouldn't be either.
There will be an avenue for Magee to get involved in Jones' defense with a strong summer, and he'll need to find a way to continue building on the promise he flashed in 2025.
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