3 recently added Commanders who are already cut candidates in 2024
By Dean Jones
Damiere Byrd - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders are expecting more from their wide receiver options next season. Jayden Daniels looks like a franchise-caliber presence under center. That'll count for nothing if those at the skill positions cannot make plays when called upon.
Terry McLaurin remains the top dog and could benefit more than anybody from Daniels' improved distribution. Hopes remain high that Jahan Dotson can finally break out in 2024 after failing to meet expectations during the previous campaign. The Commanders spent a third-round pick on Luke McCaffrey, who's made a strong start over early workouts and seems to be developing a nice rapport with his signal-caller for good measure.
Despite failing to impose himself up to now, Dyami Brown's vertical threat is something that can become an asset if he wins the confidence of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. As for the rest? They'll be fighting with everything to earn places on the 53-man roster in the coming weeks.
It could go either way for most. The Commanders will examine developments closely day by day. Adam Peters could even bring in additional reinforcements if things aren't progressing as expected.
One cannot dismiss the importance of special teams' prowess for those further down the pecking order. Washington tried several players in the kick return game to see what they could offer. This will become especially important during the 2024 season considering how the new rules seem to benefit the return team.
That's a big reason why Damiere Byrd was acquired on a one-year deal. Dan Quinn knows him well from their time together on the Atlanta Falcons. He's bounced around the league since gaining 604 receiving yards with the New England Patriots in 2020. He was seldom seen last time around, but the Commanders are giving him a shot to see if he can be impactful in a different environment.
That's a positive for Byrd, but it doesn't come with any concrete assurances. Beating out the likes of Dax Milne, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Mitchell Tinsley, and Jamison Crowder is the only way he'll secure his spot.