3 former Commanders who could be future Hall of Famers (and 6 who won't)

Which players connected to the Washington Commanders franchise could become future Pro Football Hall of Famers in the coming years?

The last member of the Washington Commanders franchise to be inducted into Pro Football’s Hall of Fame was Champ Bailey in 2019. As you no doubt know, the cornerback played two-thirds of his career for a different organization, after being traded early on.

The last player who is primarily identified with the Commanders franchise to be enshrined was Chris Hanburger. That was 13 years ago. I’m not counting Jason Taylor - who was here just long enough to have a café latte, small size - or Dick Stanfel, who is a Detroit Lion. At least the architect of Washington’s greatest teams - Bobby Beathard - did make it in 2018.

This shouldn’t surprise anyone. A team that has had minimal success for 30-plus years shouldn't deserve to fill the halls in Canton. Washington has had some very good players this century, but the only one likely to one day wear a gold jacket is currently playing left tackle for the San Francisco 49ers. At least Commanders fans will be able to say Trent Williams did spend the majority of his career with them.

Now that the NFL has announced next year’s class of inductees and published the list of first-year eligibles, it is time to take our annual stroll through Washington football history and gauge the prospects of former greats who are just outside the hallowed shrine. Spoiler alert - this is not a pretty picture.