4 Commanders with plummeting stock after 2024 offseason workouts
By Dean Jones
Percy Butler - Commanders S
The Washington Commanders opted not to offer Kamren Curl a new deal and he signed for the Los Angeles Rams in free agency. Despite this, the safety unit looks like an area of real strength heading into the 2024 campaign.
Washington got an explosive playmaker in the form of Jeremy Chinn. Things didn't go according to plan for the player during his final season with the Carolina Panthers, but he's got the athletic attributes that look tailor-made for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s creative defensive scheme.
The Commanders also spent a Day 3 selection on Dominique Hampton, who could play a role. Jeremy Reaves was re-signed and Darrick Forrest should also flourish under an improved coaching staff. Percy Butler is in danger of becoming the odd man out.
Butler saw plenty of starting reps last season after Forrest went down with an early injury. The former fourth-round selection gained 64 tackles and made some impressive plays against the run. However, his deficiencies in coverage were concerning.
Jack Del Rio and Ron Rivera's units conceded chunk plays at will throughout the campaign. A lack of pressure up front didn't help, but the secondary simply wasn't good enough aside from a few eye-catching performers.
The Louisiana product gave up 59.4 percent of targets thrown in his direction. Butler's 136.7 passer rating when targeted outlined his complications further. What Quinn and Whitt make of this is anyone's guess, but the safety faces a fight to impose himself after others caught the eye over early offseason workouts.
Much like the situation with Ricky Stromberg, it seems likely that Butler will make the 53-man roster. It's no guarantee, but his rookie flashes on special teams in 2022 should stand him in good stead.
It could go either way for Butler. If the likes of Chinn and Hampton continue to flourish, a situation could emerge where he's cast aside entirely.