Michael Davis - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders needed more from their cornerback unit in 2024. This position group became a constant source of frustration under the previous regime, although much of the blame was directed at Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio for failing to come up with the schematic adjustments needed.
Adam Peters looked to turn the tide. He drafted Mike Sainrstil and signed Noah Igbinoghene in free agency. The front-office leader later cut former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and made a bold trade to acquire Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints. Things took a step forward, but more is needed to counteract the league's most dynamic passing attacks.
Those plans are unlikely to include Michael Davis. The veteran penned a one-year deal in free agency and looked like he was going to start opposite Benjamin St-Juste over the early stages of camp. Washington's coaching staff saw something they didn't like and sent him to the fringes early on.
Davis played just 15 percent of defensive snaps. He conceded 71.4 percent of targets thrown in his direction. His 40.8 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 204th out of 223 qualifying cornerbacks. The former BYU star was a healthy scratch twice during the regular season and for all three playoff games.
That represented a damning indictment of how the coaches perceived Davis' talent. He'll be moved on with little fanfare attached this offseason.
Trent Scott - Commanders OL
It was surprising to see Trent Scott make the team. He was a holdover from the previous regime, which meant the offensive lineman quickly became vulnerable given how Adam Peters perceived Ron Rivera's roster construction. The veteran did well to make the squad, albeit as an emergency, swing option.
Scott was seldom seen during the regular season. The Commanders moved forward with Cornelius Lucas and Brandon Coleman on the blindside. Andrew Wylie was cemented as the team's starting right tackle, leaving the former Grambling State standout on the fringes.
Just when it seemed all hope was lost for Scott, the Commanders were forced to throw him into the fire when Sam Cosmi suffered a torn ACL in the divisional round versus the Detroit Lions. He took on the challenge and performed well.
That wasn't the case in the NFC Championship game. This was a more daunting test for Scott versus the dominant defensive line trio of Milton Williams, Jordan Davis, and Jalen Carter. He couldn't meet expectations and quickly became a weak link the Philadelphia Eagles had no trouble exploiting.
The Commanders need a better backup plan. Scott is a solid pro and a hard worker, but the consistency just isn't where it needs to be.