4 Commanders players facing uncertain futures at 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Cole Turner - Commanders TE
Cole Turner was projected to be a potential breakout candidate for the Washington Commanders in 2023. The athletic tight end endured some rough luck on the injury front as a rookie, but a starring role throughout the preparation period meant expectations increased heading into his second season in a professional environment.
Sadly, this didn't go according to plan. Turner wasn't trusted with prominent involvement despite offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy adopting a pass-heavy scheme. He secured just 15 targets - 11 of which he brought in for 120 receiving yards. Even when another campaign was spiraling into oblivion, the former fifth-round selection remained on the fringes.
This was deeply frustrating - especially considering the Commanders had a chance to give their young players more of a look with nothing to play for. Ron Rivera always spoke highly of the Nevada product, but this was not an opinion shared by Bieniemy when push came to shove.
Turner's future is hanging in the balance this offseason. This is thanks to some intriguing tight-end additions made throughout a busy free agency and college selection process.
The Commanders signed veteran Zach Ertz to fill the void left by salary-cap casualty Logan Thomas. Adam Peters also got his hands on Ben Sinnott at No. 53 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's drawn comparisons to George Kittle and looks like a legitimate long-term option if his development goes as anticipated.
This complicates matters for the likes of Turner and Armani Rogers. Couple this with the presence of blocking specialist John Bates and the arrival of Colson Yankoff during undrafted free agency, the tight-end dynamic will be something to monitor closely over camp.
The gauntlet was laid down to Turner in no uncertain terms. He's been working exceptionally hard throughout his time away from the facility. Hopefully, this will enable the Clackamas High School product to hit the ground running when camp commences.