Nobody needs to be told that the Washington Commanders' wide receiver room is crowded. Some spots are secure, and only a couple remain for the rest. The margins couldn't be finer, and the next two preseason games could be a massive tipping point for those looking to make the 53-man roster.
Jacoby Jones is among them. And even though the 2025 undrafted free agent might be considered on the outside looking in, he couldn't be doing much more to stake a strong claim.
And that poses a real dilemma for the Commanders.
Jacoby Jones has given the Commanders a lot to think about this summer
Jones continues to catch the eye at training camp. At 6-foot-2 wth the athleticism to match, the wideout has accumulated countless impressive highlights throughout the summer. He's taken this good form into the preseason, bringing in two catches from three targets for 33 receiving yards against the Miami Dolphins.
This is always the best way to get noticed. But complacency is not an option.
The former Central Florida standout stood out last summer, too. It wasn't enough to make the team, but Jones got some valuable experience on the practice squad to continue his development. He also managed to feature on the active roster once, securing his only target for 25 receiving yards.
It's served Jones well. But he might fall victim to the numbers game without a miraculous surge in the coming weeks.
Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs are roster locks. Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey have too much special teams value to be removed. Third-round rookie Antonio Williams will also make it, which leaves one or perhaps two places for the other hopefuls.
Van Jefferson Jr. and Dyami Brown have both flashed at camp. Treylon Burks has talent, but where he fits into the equation remains to be seen. Jones might be next in line, but he won't be giving up without a fight.
All Jones can do is keep working hard and maximize every target that comes his way. Everything after that is outside his pay grade.
Jacoby Jones could be a sneaky waiver claim if Commanders cut ties
Realistically, a place on the practice squad seems the likeliest scenario for Jones. Not a bad thing by any stretch, even if he was probably aiming for more this time around.
However, there is another scenario for Jones that shouldn't be overlooked.
He's got plenty of good preseason tape. The reports have been glowing at training camp, and though it was fleeting, he made his only regular-season opportunity count as a rookie.
For teams looking for receiver help off the waiver wire, Jones could be a tempting proposition.
That probably won't alter the thought process. But if Jones excels over the final two preseason games before final cuts are due, it quickly becomes a distinct possibility.
The Commanders would probably like to keep Jones around in some capacity. He's forced a conversation at the very least, and they would be taking a risk by placing him on waivers in favor of others.
Some big decisions are upcoming. But for Jones, this is all about focusing on what he can control.
Nothing else will suffice.
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