4 grossly underpaid Washington Commanders players in 2024
By Dean Jones
The Washington Commanders head into the 2024 season with points to prove and optimism aplenty. It's been a long time since this long-suffering fanbase had a team to be proud of. While expectations should be tempered initially, there's a growing sense that something special could be brewing under the expert guidance of general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn.
Of course, it could go either way. The Commanders reside in a competitive division with plenty of road games to start their regular-season exploits. Opening the campaign well will be key. After that, they might have the momentum needed to become one of the league's surprise packages.
Peters went through a substantial roster overhaul this offseason. More importantly, he's got plenty left over for additional moves and hasn't jeopardized the team's future financial flexibility for good measure.
According to Over the Cap, the Commanders have $86.76 million in salary-cap space in 2025 with 44 players under contract. That's not a bad spot to be in. The Commanders might also be an attractive destination once again depending on how things unfold next season.
That's for the future. For now, here are four grossly underpaid Commanders players in 2024.
K.J. Henry - Commanders DE
- 2024 salary-cap hit: $1 million
Counting just over $1 million against the salary cap in 2024, K.J. Henry has a chance to far outperform his pay grade. The edge rusher caught the eye over the second half of 2023 after the Washington Commanders traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young. He's not the finished product by any stretch, but there's something there to mold.
Henry has the physique and explosiveness to be a core part of the edge rushing rotation under Dan Quinn. The head coach knows how to maximize players with these physical qualities. There is increased competition for places, but the former fifth-round selection out of Clemson has some newfound momentum to build upon.
If Henry takes another step forward under more accomplished coaches, a significant opportunity awaits. The Commanders didn't draft an edge rusher to solidify depth, which was another vote of confidence heading into his second campaign in a professional environment.