5 Commanders candidates to be cut going into the summer
By Dean Jones
Jeff Driskel - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels carries the expectations of an entire franchise on his young shoulders. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft has all the tools needed to be a game-changing presence under center. Expecting miracles right away is unfair, but the excitement is absolutely off the charts following his seamless transition so far.
Daniels has a strong support system in place. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard will be on hand every step of the way to ensure he hits the ground running. Marcus Mariota - a former No. 2 pick who was acquired in free agency - will be the mentor backup during the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU's pivotal rookie campaign.
The Commanders have others on the quarterback depth chart. It'll be interesting to see how Jeff Driskel performs when reps come his way in practice. He's seen as a camp body, but the presence of undrafted free agent Sam Hartman jeopardizes his chances of competing for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Driskel's been around the league long enough to know how this could go if performance levels aren't up to the required standard. The journeyman signal-caller has experience on his side, but the guaranteed money given to Hartman when the undrafted free-agent frenzy commenced indicates the Commanders see something in the player that can be molded into more over time.
Keeping four quarterbacks going into camp is a possibility. At the same time, if those in power like what they see from Hartman, giving him extended reps at the expense of Driskel is something that cannot be completely ruled out at this juncture.
Nobody is disputing the fact Daniels and Mariota will be the top two. Much will also depend on how many quarterbacks Washington takes through onto the roster. If they genuinely believe in Hartman's long-term prospects, Driskel will be moved on at some stage.