Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB
Benjamin St-Juste got plenty of opportunities to cement his status as the team's No. 1 cornerback. There were times when he looked capable of achieving this feat. But the performance levels were nowhere near consistent enough to provide confidence.
St-Juste entered the campaign atop the cornerback depth chart. His size and length looked tailor-made to make a significant impact within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive system. Unfortunately for the Minnesota product, the same frustrations reared their ugly head once again.
The defensive back became a liability. St-Juste's 46.8 pass coverage grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 193rd out of 223 qualifying cornerbacks around the league. When the opposition needed a crucial play, they often looked in his direction.
There's also the discipline issue to factor into the equation. St-Juste is technically flawed, giving up countless defensive pass interference penalties — most of which came when the Washington Commanders had a chance to get off the field. Adam Peters' bombshell trade for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the deadline represented the final nail in his proverbial D.C. coffin.
St-Juste is a free agent this offseason and won't return. And in all honesty, the player only has himself to blame after spurning several chances to firmly establish himself.
K.J. Osborn - Commanders WR
The Commanders had to think on their feet after Noah Brown suffered a serious internal injury in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans. Those in power struck with conviction to scoop K.J. Osborn off waivers following his release by the New England Patriots.
Osborn has talent. He was a respectable contributor during his time with the Minnesota Vikings, taking advantage of the one-on-one opportunities with the likes of Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson taking the focus. This earned him a deal with the Patriots, but the relationship soured quickly.
Most fans were expecting Osborn to make an impression. The Commanders desperately needed someone to step up and become a complimentary piece opposite Terry McLaurin. As it turned out, that was Dyami Brown.
The North Carolina product came to the fore at an important time. Brown rose to the occasion and emerged as a trusted target for Jayden Daniels down the stretch. This continued into the postseason, leaving Osborn on the inactive players list as a result.
Washington must find more productive pass-catchers for Daniels this offseason. McLaurin is a star, but everything is uncertain aside from that. Whichever way Adam Peters decides to go, those plans won't include Osborn following his non-existent contribution in difficult circumstances.