4 Commanders who could get cut without playing a snap in 2024
By Dean Jones
Braeden Daniels - Commanders OL
Braeden Daniels is entering his second season with the Washington Commanders and has yet to play a competitive snap. The offensive lineman was a fourth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, but his struggles throughout last year's preparation period were deeply concerning.
Daniels struggled to adjust to the increased standards associated with NFL productivity. He looked flustered on the edge and things didn't get better when Ron Rivera switched him onto the interior. Many wondered whether he'd make the 53-man roster before the rookie was sent to season-ending injured reserve.
This was a disaster for the player. It's also an indictment of Rivera's inability to evaluate offensive linemen successfully. Instead of focusing on specialist qualities, the head coach and primary decision-maker before his departure saw position versatility as a more enticing trait to his detriment.
What the future holds for Daniels is anyone's guess. He's getting a clean slate under Dan Quinn's coaching staff and could make strides. At the same time, he's starting from the bottom up and must prove himself all over again.
Couple this with the additions made by the Commanders to ensure their protection improves in front of star quarterback Jayden Daniels, and it's easy to see why the lineman's future could be bleak unless the second-year-pro makes notable strides. Nothing can be dismissed entirely, but it does look like an uphill battle all things considered.
It's also worth remembering that the new regime has no emotional attachment to Daniels. Most weren't around when he was drafted. There are no major financial implications attached to his early departure. If Adam Peters and Quinn don't like what they see in terms of development, others will be preferred.
That might sound harsh after how things have unfolded for Daniels throughout his time in Washington. But the Commanders have no room for passengers whatsoever during their rise to potential contention.