Michael Deiter - Commanders OL
Tyler Biadasz was an exceptional addition to the Washington Commanders. Head coach Dan Quinn knew what the veteran center could bring following their time together on the Dallas Cowboys. This was one of the team's best investments beyond question.
Biadasz improved communication pre-snap. He developed good chemistry with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. His run blocking was decent and the former Wisconsin star's pass-blocking represented an immediate upgrade on anything Washington churned out at the anchor position previously.
Things unraveled quickly whenever Biadasz missed time with injury. His understudy, Michael Deiter, tried valiantly but couldn't fill the void effectively enough. There was a noticeable drop-off in production that could have been far worse if not for Daniels' elite-level escapability.
Deiter was a liability in pass protection. He was overawed and outmatched for the most part and didn't have the core base to withstand power rushers from the interior. The Commanders need to find a better second option behind Biadasz via free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft this offseason.
Noah Brown - Commanders WR
Once Noah Brown was deemed surplus to requirements by the Houston Texans during final cuts, many thought he'd end up in Washington. Adam Peters wasted little time in acquiring the wide receiver as a vertical threat offering something a little different from what the Commanders already possessed.
Brown spent a couple of weeks learning Kliff Kingsbury's offensive concepts before getting involved. There were some truly high moments but plenty of lows thrown in for good measure. Just when it looked like momentum was starting to build, it came to an abrupt halt.
The former seventh-round selection was ruled out for the season with a rib injury that could have been a lot more serious. This was a devastating blow for the player, who'd finally begun to find his feet and earn the trust of Jayden Daniels in key moments.
If the Commanders want to be taken seriously as a Super Bowl challenger next season, they need to surround Daniels with better weapons in the passing game. There will always be collateral damage, which probably includes Brown if an upgrade is acquired.
Should Brown depart the Commanders, he leaves having given fans one of the most memorable moments in recent franchise history. That was, of course, the Hail Mary miracle to beat the Chicago Bears.
Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB
Running back could be an underrated offseason need for the Commanders. Brian Robinson Jr. regressed over the second half of 2024 and into the postseason. He could get another chance to prove himself in the final year of his deal, but general manager Adam Peters would be wise to find a contingency plan at some stage.
Austin Ekeler has another year on his contract and should be back. Chris Rodriguez Jr. flashed enough promise to potentially get a reprieve and fight for his roster spot once again. That won't be the case with Jeremy McNichols.
The veteran free-agent signing won a roster spot when it could have gone either way. McNichols' experience was preferred when push came to shove. Aside from a few noteworthy flashes, there wasn't enough to suggest a new deal will be in the offing.
McNichols gained 261 rushing yards and four touchdowns from 55 carries at 4.7 yards per touch. That's not bad, but the Commanders are aiming higher than just the average moving forward.
If the Commanders can find someone better, they shouldn't hesitate.