Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB
Trading for stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore shouldn't prevent the Washington Commanders from strengthening the group further this offseason. The four-time Pro Bowler and second-round rookie Mike Sainristil are part of the team's future. All bets are off aside from that.
Noah Igbinoghene is a player who could enhance or hurt his chances of an extended stay down the stretch. The veteran followed Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. to Washington from the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. It took time, but the former first-round pick displayed promise as the team's starting slot option.
Igbinoghene has the length and athleticism that's well-suited to the nickel role. He anticipates things well and is making his tackles count. His run defense needs significant work, but the Commanders will give him every chance to cement his status over their final four games and potentially the postseason if Washington makes it that far.
Although Igbinoghene hasn't lived up to his lofty draft billing coming out of Auburn as yet, there are signs of life. Building on this newfound positivity in the coming weeks is crucial.
Phidarian Mathis - Commanders DL
Not many of Ron Rivera's high-end draft selections are still around. General manager Adam Peters' ruthless approach made his feelings about the decision-making process under the previous regime abundantly clear. The urgency is high across the board in pursuit of becoming part of the team's future.
Phidarian Mathis is someone who is running out of time. The defensive tackle's seen plenty of action throughout the campaign after Jonathan Allen went down with a torn bicep. There were flashes of promise, but the consistency is nowhere near the level needed to carve out an established role for himself long-term.
The former second-round pick was a healthy scratch for Washington's win against the Tennessee Titans before the bye week. If Mathis was under any illusions regarding his precarious situation, he should have crystal clear clarity now.
Whether Mathis gets a chance to shine over Washington's final four regular-season games is another matter. Rookie second-rounder Johnny Newton isn't going to take a back seat. Sheldon Day's emergence is something else that could impact the Alabama product's involvement when push comes to shove.