Adam Peters is currently having some tough conversations as the Washington Commanders trim their roster to 53 players before the cut-down deadline. But that doesn't mean the general manager won't be keeping half an eye on other developments around the league.
Once the Commanders' initial 53-man roster is confirmed, Peters and his staff will scour the waiver wire and veteran pool for any candidates who could become useful additions to the squad. There will be hundreds to choose from, so it's all about finding the right fit in positions of need to provide immediate assistance.
Some prominent names are already seeking alternative employment. One, in particular, could intrigue Peters after some indifferent performances from Washington's backup linebackers during the preseason.
Commanders could make a move for Chad Muma, but they'll need some luck
According to Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network, the Jacksonville Jaguars are waiving Chad Muma. He came into the league with a glittering reputation but never quite met expectations. Now, he'll get the chance to catch on elsewhere.
Rapoport believes Muma is a strong candidate to be claimed by another organization. The Commanders are pretty low down the order after their sensational run to the NFC Championship game, so it'll be a waiting game even if Peters does put in a bid.
Muma has the size and athleticism to potentially slot into Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s schematic concepts. He's always flashed promise, albeit on a rotational basis, but it was nowhere near consistent enough to firmly establish himself.
The third-round selection was a tackling machine at Wyoming, gaining 142 tackles in his final college season en route to becoming the No. 70 overall pick in 2022. Jacksonville kept adding linebackers to push him down the pecking order, and it seemed as if the new coaching staff made up their mind from a long way out.
Washington might be content with what they have. Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu lead the charge, but Jordan Magee's injury problems and Kain Medrano's disappointing preseason displays could see Peters add another second-level presence into the mix. Muma ticks the boxes physically, and his willingness to be impactful on special teams is something else working in his favor.
Muma is still only 26 years old with his career prime ahead. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Commanders show an interest, but whether they'll get lucky on waivers is another matter.
If it's not Muma, it could be someone else. And Peters won't hesitate to make changes if he thinks it's the right thing to take the franchise forward.