5 early salary-cap cuts the Commanders could target in 2024

Commanders could sign Jerome Baker

Unlike the two defensive backs mentioned above, linebacker Jerome Baker is just entering his prime. The 27-year-old was thought to be one of the core defenders for the Miami Dolphins until a flukish knee injury - while playing against the Washington Commanders last December - sidelined him.

He also required wrist surgery after the season which resulted in a failed physical designation. Under normal circumstances, the Dolphins certainly would have carried him as he healed. But with their serious cap issues, Miami decided to move on.

Baker’s injuries have to be a concern, but there does not appear to be anything unusual about his rehabilitation. If he gets on track for a full recovery, he is going to be a very good addition to some defense.

The second-level enforcer has the prototypical physical tools to be a do-everything option. Since we are not sure how Joe Whitt Jr. wants to run the Commanders' defense, getting a young, athletic linebacker who can cover the entire field and play the run reasonably well would be a major score. If Jamin Davis continues his slow, steady improvement under the new coaching staff, that would constitute a nice young tandem.

The Pittsburgh press is all over Baker, thinking he would be an ideal addition to the Steelers' defense. It's hard to argue that, so the Commanders need to act fast is he is a player of interest.