3 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders 2024 offseason overhaul
By Dean Jones
Loser No. 2
Darrick Forrest - Commanders S
Adam Peters attached no sentiment to his decision-making process this offseason. The Washington Commanders were one of the league's worst teams in 2023, so the general manager was well within his right to completely gut the roster in pursuit of brighter fortunes.
Established stars were let go with little fanfare attached. The Commanders also turned up the heat on those currently under contract. If they aren't up to the challenge of increased competition, their time with the franchise won't last much longer.
Darrick Forrest is a prime example of this. The safety lost his long-term partner on the backend when Kamren Curl signed for the Los Angeles Rams in free agency. Washington signed Jeremy Chinn to replace the former seventh-round pick, who seems to have the athletic intangibles needed to thrive under the expert guidance of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.
The Commanders also spent a second-round selection on slot cornerback Mike Sainristil. This indicates Quan Martin could switch back to his college position, which means Forrest is facing a fight for extended playing time under the new regime.
Forrest has talent, there's no getting away from that. Injuries significantly derailed his progress in 2023, so Peters and Quinn weren't going to wait around on the off chance no further problems on the health front arrived.
Washington has raised the stakes across almost every position group throughout one of the busiest recruitment periods in franchise history. Forrest knows that he'll need to impress a different set of eyes with no emotional attachment to his depth chart status, so it'll be fascinating to see how things unfold in the safety room in the weeks and months ahead.
The former fifth-round selection out of Cincinnati has plenty of added incentive next season. Forrest is entering the final year of his rookie deal and needs to make a lasting contribution to get an extension. If not, Peters has already shown a willingness to dispose of those who don't fit into his way of thinking.