4 Commanders holdovers who could be cut after 2024 training camp

Christian Holmes - Commanders CB

The Washington Commanders conceded 3.5 touchdowns per game on average last season. This was a league-worst and nowhere near good enough. It also meant improving their cornerback options was among Adam Peters' biggest priorities during his first offseason as the front-office supremo.

Peters opted to fine-tweak rather than do anything drastic. Michael Davis was brought in to offset Kendall Fuller's departure. This comes with some skepticism attached after the veteran showed clear signs of regression with the Los Angeles Chargers last time around.

The Commanders also spent a second-round pick on Mike Sainristil. His specialty comes in the slot and as a blitzer when opportunities arise. He's an outstanding player with a bright future. Washington will task him with significant responsibilities right out of the gate. Whether the former Michigan star copes effectively is another matter.

After that, there are significant questions. Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. didn't show enough to inspire confidence in 2023. Other additions seem like depth pieces that can help on special teams. Christian Holmes is still around, but for how much longer is the big question.

Holmes has been used sparingly over his first two seasons with the Commanders. It's hard to gauge what the team has in the player, but Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio didn't have enough confidence to provide the Oklahoma State product with prominent reps.

Things look bleak for Holmes, but all hope is not lost. The defensive back has the size and physicality that look well-suited to Dan Quinn's schematic demands. He excelled in press coverage at the collegiate level. There's not enough of a sample size to determine whether this trend could continue in the pros.

Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. want to see what they have in Holmes over the summer. Putting him against the likes of Terry McLaurin will be a decent measuring stick in drills. Watching his performance levels during preseason contests will be another important part of their assessments.

Holmes might not make it. At the same time, he could make a surprising surge forward under more accomplished coaches.