Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE
The Washington Commanders have some big decisions to make on their defensive front this offseason. They managed to tread water in this area of the field, which was the minimum requirement looking at the personnel available. If they want to take that next step into legitimate Super Bowl consideration, settling is not an option.
This bears special significance on the edge. Dorance Armstrong Jr. signed a long-term contract and will be back. That's not the case with Clelin Ferrell, who penned a one-year deal last offseason and hasn't done enough for an extended stay.
Ferrell came into the league as a top-five selection, even though most thought the Las Vegas Raiders overdrafted the defensive end out of Clemson. He couldn't meet expectations as anticipated, but general manager Adam Peters saw enough of the edge force to bring him from the San Francisco 49ers.
After earning the starting gig and flashing early on, it didn't take long for Ferrell to regress. An injury problem didn't help, but he gradually saw his reps diminish down the stretch. That was the clearest sign that his future lies elsewhere.
Michael Davis - Commanders CB
Things looked promising for Michael Davis throughout the offseason. The free-agent signing looked set to start opposite Benjamin St-Juste on the boundary after a decent preparation period. Something happened that left the veteran cornerback on the outside looking in.
Davis was seldom seen on the defensive rotation. When the player was given reps, he became a weak link. Couple this with St-Juste's inconsistencies and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. showing no signs of life whatsoever, it left the Commanders with no option other than to switch rookie Mike Sainristil outside and make a daring trade for Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore before the deadline.
Things have progressed since then. That's not been great for Davis, who was used sparingly or not at all. His woeful effort against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17 only rubber-stamped the need for a better alternative this offseason.
It would be a bombshell of epic proportions if Davis got a new deal. He was worth bringing in from an experience standpoint in nothing else. Unfortunately, it didn't work out.
Trenton Scott - Commanders OT
The Commanders' offensive line improved this season. It wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, so don't be surprised if general manager Adam Peters rings the changes once again.
Washington could be looking for a starter or two depending on what happens with the offensive tackle tandem of Brandon Coleman and Andrew Wylie. This team desperately needs to enhance depth. That's not up for discussion.
Those tasked with coming in when someone went down with injury weren't up to the required standard. Trenton Scott fits into this bracket based on his output when called upon in 2024.
Scott did well to make the team as a holdover from the previous regime. Unfortunately, this didn't transition to a competitive setting from 192 snaps.
Although Scott didn't give up a sack, he conceded three penalties. His overall 48.7 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 119th out of 141 qualifying offensive tackles around the league. This was thanks in no small part to his lackluster run blocking.
The Commanders had to throw Scott in at the deep end when Sam Cosmi went down with a torn ACL against the Detroit Lions. He was solid if not spectacular, but that's unlikely to get him an extended stay with the organization.
If Scott departs as expected, he'll take one thing with him. He was the man to catch quarterback Jayden Daniels' first NFL touchdown pass. Nobody can ever take that away.