4 winners (and 2 losers) from first wave of Commanders 2024 free agency
By Dean Jones
Winner No. 2
Jamin Davis - Commanders LB
Ron Rivera didn't prioritize the linebacking corps with any urgency throughout his four-year stint as Washington Commanders head coach. He saw the position as redundant as Jack Del Rio deployed plenty of nickel packages as part of his mundane scheme. That was a grave error in judgment - one the new regime wasn't going to continue.
The Commanders acted with supreme conviction to strengthen their defensive second level. Frankie Luvu and perennial All-Pro Bobby Wagner were the eye-catching arrivals. Jeremy Chinn's best work during his NFL career came at the linebacker position despite being listed as a safety. Anthony Pittman is an intriguing depth piece who could greatly assist on special teams.
This is exceptional news for Jamin Davis. The former first-round pick flew almost solo last season thanks to the inconsistencies of others such as Cody Barton. With the interior of Luvu and Wagner locking up matters, this could mean an intriguing new role is in the player's immediate future under new head coach Dan Quinn.
Most analysts expect Davis to line up on the outside as a rush linebacker. This is where his impressive physical attributes appear best suited. Quinn had a significant amount of success deploying Micah Parsons in a similar role. Expecting the same caliber of production from the Kentucky college product is stretching things, but it would be a shock if he didn't make huge strides with a much-improved supporting cast.