Which Washington Commanders players cannot afford to regress during what is going to be a franchise-altering campaign in 2023?
To say things are going to get interesting for the Washington Commanders in 2023 would be an understatement. There are so many dynamics that could emerge once the ownership group led by Josh Harris officially gets their $6.05 billion purchase confirmed, which should happen before the campaign despite some elements surrounding the transaction causing concern.
Everything should hopefully be a formality given the need for Dan Snyder to be removed from the equation quickly. Once approved, the pressure on almost everyone across the organization will be enormous next season.
If Harris and his team of investors aren't convinced with the way things are going, wholesale changes will arrive. This is also going to have a ripple effect on players if they haven't met their end of the bargain.
With this in mind, here are four Commanders players who cannot afford to regress in 2023.
Joey Slye - Commanders K
It's pretty surprising to see the Washington Commanders show complete faith in Joey Slye despite an indifferent campaign for the kicker. The long-term associate of Ron Rivera's has no competition for his spot currently, which is a big call for those in power considering the consistency issues during an up-and-down career to date.
Slye has a huge leg but can be wayward in terms of accuracy. Considering how many Commanders games were decided by fine margins last season, Rivera can ill afford the kicking position becoming a weak link with his job prospects hanging in the balance.
Charles Leno Jr. - Commanders OT
It's been an offseason of great change across the Washington Commanders' offensive line in 2023. Players have come in and some have left - with the prospect of more falling by the wayside entirely possible to free up funds on the team's salary cap.
The starting unit also looks far different according to the early indications at OTAs. New signings Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates hold prominent spots and there is a position switch for Sam Cosmi, so jelling quickly throughout the preparation period is of paramount importance.
One player absent from voluntary OTAs that remains the one constant is Charles Leno Jr. The veteran will once again be tasked with manning blindside blocking duties, which is stability the Commanders have sorely lacked across their protection in recent years.
While Leno isn't a world-beater by any means, he is decent enough and represents a supreme leadership presence within the locker room for good measure. The former seventh-round pick gave up eight sacks last season, but one could argue he was the best of a bad bunch along Washington's line.
Any regression from Leno next season is going to come to big-time ramifications. It would also make releasing the Boise State product to save $12 million heading into the final year of his deal an easy decision next spring.
Jamin Davis - Commanders LB
Much like the situation at kicker, it's been a surprising approach to the linebacking corps this offseason. Cody Barton was the only notable signing by the Washington Commanders in free agency, which offset Cole Holcomb's departure but did nothing to improve the depth and overall strength at the defensive second level.
While this might be inconsequential if defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio increases his deployment of two-linebacker sets within his scheme, it raises the stakes considerably for Jamin Davis. The former first-round selection must become a true three-down force in 2023, which could have implications for Washington's upcoming decision regarding his fifth-year option.
Considering the Commanders haven't picked up the options of Daron Payne and Chase Young over the last two seasons, Davis has his work cut out. The one-time Kentucky star went over 100 tackles for the first time last season, but there are clear deficiencies in coverage, and rushing the passer is another area that needs work in the coming months.
Davis has some outstanding qualities. His gap discipline against the run should be commended and the angles he's taking to the contact point came on significantly last time around, but more is undoubtedly needed heading into Year 3 of his professional career.
This is the time when we get a broader perspective on what players - especially on defense - will be able to produce long-term. In Davis' case, the jury is still out.
Curtis Samuel - Commanders WR
A number change isn't the only thing Curtis Samuel has going for him next season. The Washington Commanders pulled off a major coup by acquiring offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy from the Kansas City Chiefs, which could benefit the former Ohio State stud more than most looking at his particular skill set.
The possibilities are endless regarding Samuel and how he can be utilized by Bieniemy. His unique traits and elusiveness with the football in his hands are a play-caller's dream - so hopefully their relationship will end up being mutually beneficial during the upcoming campaign.
Bieniemy is hoping the Commanders become his final destination before a long-awaited head coaching gig. If Samuel helps him get there, then the do-it-all weapon can expect a hefty contract extension to prevent him from leaving in 2024 free agency.
Samuel has dealt with some injury problems throughout his career, but he looked much more like his old self last season en route to 843 all-purpose yards and five combined touchdowns. If the wideout hits it off with Bieniemy, then the second four-digit season of his career is entirely possible.
Should things not go according to plan for whatever reason, this could be Samuel's last season with the Commanders. So the stakes couldn't be much higher.