The Washington Commanders are still trying to recover from some of the worst roster management in recent franchise history, courtesy of previous head coach Ron Rivera. And this all stems from whiffing on every first-round pick over his four-year tenure.
Edge rusher Chase Young had undeniable talent, but injuries dented any chance he had. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson was productive in college but failed to reach the same heights in the pros. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was Rivera's final first-round infatuation that quickly became a grave error in judgment.
Then, there's Jamin Davis.
Jamin Davis' career continues to spiral long after Commanders departure
The linebacker was released without hesitation after his switch to an edge-rusher role under head coach Dan Quinn didn't go well. He's had a hard time catching on elsewhere ever since, and the former Kentucky standout is now searching for yet another opportunity that may or may not arrive.
In a quiet move that went relatively overlooked, the Las Vegas Raiders released Davis recently. He joined the AFC West club late in the 2025 campaign and appeared twice. This was enough to get another deal, but the 2021 first-round pick didn't even make it to OTAs.
This latest blow typifies how things have gone for Davis since leaving the Commanders. He's spent time with the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, and the Raiders without doing enough to cement his importance. He'll now be waiting for the phone to ring, hoping to get another shot. But looking at his current career trajectory, he might be waiting some time.
Rivera thought Davis could be Washington's next second-level enforcer. The ex-head coach did almost nothing to enhance the supporting cast around him, and he was hung out to dry. Quinn and general manager Adam Peters didn't rate him highly, and when the position switch fell flat, the decision to part ways was simple.
Things look more promising at linebacker in Washington now. The Commanders signed Leo Chenal in free agency and spent the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Sonny Styles. With Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee also around, this has the makings of a highly productive quartet.
As for Davis? His NFL journey is hanging in the balance once again.
He had all the athleticism in the world, but Rivera tasked him with responsibilities he wasn't ready for. The obvious flaws in his game weren't addressed effectively enough, and it'll take a monumental effort to turn things around from here.
And if this is the end of the road for Davis, the stain of Rivera's incompetence will get even bigger.
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