4 Commanders veterans who could lose their jobs to rookies in 2023

Sam Cosmi - Commanders OL

The Washington Commanders appear willing to give Sam Cosmi one final opportunity to carve out a career for himself in a starting role. Although that probably won't be the franchise edge protector many within the building hoped he'd become when they selected the Texas product at No. 51 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Cosmi has been operating as a right guard throughout early offseason workouts with free-agent signing Andrew Wylie at right tackle. Another new arrival provides stability next to him on the interior as Nick Gates looks set to assume center responsibilities following Chase Roullier's release.

Much is expected of this revamped offensive line and its ability to provide the consistency needed. The Commanders can ill afford any projected starter becoming a weak link, which could jeopardize the whole offensive operation under Eric Bieniemy along the way.

If that turns out to be Cosmi, then the Commanders have a problem. One they might be able to solve during the campaign by either transitioning rookie Braeden Daniels or installing Ricky Stromberg at the center spot and moving Gates to the guard position.

This would be nothing short of disastrous for Cosmi's long-term future with the franchise. But Ron Rivera and his staff have absolutely no room for sentiment in their decision-making process with jobs firmly on the line in 2023.