Darrick Forrest and 9 Commanders players who definitely won't be back in 2025

These Commanders will probably be playing elsewhere in 2025.

Darrick Forrest
Darrick Forrest | Cooper Neill/GettyImages
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Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB

Benjamin St-Juste got countless opportunities to prove himself as a starting cornerback. The former third-round pick flashed promise on occasion, but there was always something missing.

This came to a head during the 2024 campaign. St-Juste was a walking defensive pass interference penalty throughout the season. He didn't look comfortable guarding No. 1 receivers or even No. 2 or No. 3 options. The Minnesota product was removed from the starting lineup and never got a good look again.

St-Juste became an easy target for the fanbase, which is never a good sign. The most concerning element was how frequently he was picked as a weak link by opposing offenses, especially in key situations. The trust from the defensive coaching staff just wasn't there in the player to produce the goods. That's the bottom line.

With St-Juste set to become a free agent this spring, the chances of Washington offering him a new deal are long gone. His starting experience and physical attributes indicate another opportunity should arrive elsewhere, but that won't be with the Commanders.

Mykal Walker - Commanders LB

There were a lot of positive changes across the Commanders this offseason. None were more vital than the linebacking enhancements.

This position group became a constant source of frustration throughout Ron Rivera's tenure. He overlooked the defensive second level and paid a heavy price. That was not a mistake Adam Peters and Dan Quinn were going to make.

Washington acted swiftly to bring in Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner to the organization in free agency. To say they revolutionized the defensive approach and locker room mindset would be an understatement. They earned second-team All-Pro honors and spearheaded a remarkable culture shift. The Commanders got high value for money and then some.

Wagner is still performing at a high level, but he's not getting any younger. Jordan Magee has potential but remains an unknown quantity following an injury-hit rookie year. Mykal Walker emerged as a solid special teams performer. That's unlikely to be enough to get another contract before free agency.

A situation could emerge where Walker gets a deal closer to offseason activities if he's not on another team by that point. However, the Commanders could go younger at the position and draft someone who can learn from Luvu and Wagner if the latter sticks around for another campaign.

Jeff Driskel - Commanders QB

Jayden Daniels is a superstar. The Commanders made the right call by selecting the quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His poise, production, and aura represent hope for the future. He's the franchise signal-caller Washington's starved fanbase had been waiting for.

What happens beneath Daniels on the quarterback depth chart is less certain. Marcus Mariota was lauded for his mentorship and for providing his fellow Heisman Trophy winner with a strong support system throughout his phenomenal transition. He could get an extension to keep continuity. But if a chance to compete for a starting job surfaces, he'll take it.

Jeff Driskel's also on the books. He's been the No. 3 option and emergency backup on game days. He's another veteran voice in the room at an important time. But this is where the journey should end.

Daniels moved like a savvy veteran with a meticulous work ethic and exemplary work ethic to match. The work of Driskel and Mariota is done to a certain extent. If the Commanders want to keep a third quarterback on the books, they could use Sam Hartman or another development piece instead.

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