The Washington Commanders are gearing up to make wholesale roster changes this offseason. Based on a recent report, it seems like general manager Adam Peters is already looking for answers to some complex riddles.
Nothing much has gone right for the Commanders this season. Their star-studded squad has been hit by significant injuries that show no signs of slowing down. It's not an excuse for their constant failure to meet expectations, but it's proven to Peters that depth must be strengthened to avoid similar complications next time.
This all starts in the defensive trenches. The Commanders have been found wanting in this critical area of the field, especially on the edge. Those on the interior aren't doing much better, and although everyone has flashed briefly, it's nowhere near consistent enough.
Commanders work out Kyon Barrs after successful UFL stint in Dallas
Peters is planning for the future, and there is just no telling what he has in store. According to James Larsen from Pro Football Newsroom, the Commanders held a tryout with defensive tackle Kyon Barrs on Monday. He could be an option for the practice squad, or possibly to get a reserve/futures contract when the campaign concludes.
Barrs spent five years in college — four of them at Arizona before transferring to USC. He went undrafted in 2024, spending time with the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks before landing on the Arizona Cardinals earlier this year.
The interior presence became a training camp star but didn't do enough to make the roster. Barrs signed briefly back in Arizona but lasted just five days before he was let go. He's been looking for a shot ever since, spending time with the Dallas Renegades of the UFL to hone his craft further.
It might come to nothing, but the Commanders lost nothing by finding out one way or another. Moves like this don't tend to be anything more than reconnaissance missions. However, Larsen believes that Barrs deserves his shot in the pros.
Whether that comes in Washington is debatable. The Commanders have a massive choice to make with Daron Payne this offseason. Javon Kinlaw has underwhelmed but will be back. The same goes for Johnny Newton, who is coming under increasing scrutiny after failing to propel himself from a fringe role.
Eddie Goldman is a decent run-stuffer who could get extended. All bets are off aside from that, so taking a look at what Barrs could offer as a development piece with room to grow wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Getting his foot in the door is the tricky part.