3 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders 2024 training camp Week 1
By Dean Jones
Loser No. 2
Ramiz Ahmed - Commanders K
This is the big problem.
The Washington Commanders looked set at the kicking position without out much of a camp competition once upon a time. That is no longer the case.
Brandon McManus was signed in free agency. However, allegations of sexual assault during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars saw him released by the Commanders following further investigations. This was the right call to make - a statement that the toxic culture under the previous owner would no longer be tolerated under Josh Harris' ownership group.
While that's a positive, it doesn't nothing to raise optimism better days are ahead for the kicking unit. Ramiz Ahmed got the first opportunity to secure the role after signing in the wake of McManus' hasty departure. Based on what those in attendance have seen over the opening exchanges at camp, he's not up to the required standard.
Ahmed's consistency is erratic, missing several efforts over the first week. This is unlikely to be going unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters, who won't hesitate to find reinforcements if he feels like it's the best thing for the Commanders next season.
This is almost guaranteed if Ahmed doesn't raise his performance levels in the coming days. Options are scarce on the market right now - which might be his saving grace. That is going to change when cuts start happening around the league.
Peters already stated his intent to be active on the waiver wire with Washington holding the No. 2 priority. Good kickers will be made surplus to requirements, so it would be a big shock if the new front-office leader didn't take advantage of that fact.
The Carolina Panthers - No. 1 on the waiver wire order - won't be needing a kicker. They're moving forward with either Eddy Pineiro or Harrison Mevis. This means Peters will have the pick of whatever options become available.
Ahmed's margin for error is gone. It'll take a monumental effort to shift these early narratives.