5 new NFC East players the Commanders must worry about in 2024

Commanders should worry about C.J. Gardner-Johnson

The Washington Commanders have seen C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the NFC East before. He was with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 before unceremoniously leaving for the Detroit Lions. Now, he's back.

In 2022, the safety had the best season of his career. Gardner-Johnson led the league with six interceptions despite missing five games. This was a significant leap forward for the player and something that propelled him into one of the NFL's most opportunistic secondary weapons.

Gardner-Johnson provides versatility in the secondary, which the Eagles will leverage with him back in the fold. After his departure, the team's passing defense dropped from No. 1 to No. 31. With his return along with other additions Philadelphia made in the secondary, Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels might run into challenges passing the ball.

Commanders should worry about Bryce Huff

Bryce Huff is another weapon that Jayden Daniels and the Commanders offensive line will need to worry about in 2024. It's yet another outstanding young edge rusher that needs to feature heavily into their game plan when going up against the Eagles next time around.

The former New York Jets star had his best year in 2023, finishing with 10 sacks despite only playing 42 percent of snaps. Huff joined Gang Green as an undrafted free agent and improved every year. It came as no surprise to see the pass-rusher get paid handsomely for his outstanding efforts when the free-agent frenzy began.

His advanced stats in 2022 and 2023 put him among the top five to ten defensive ends anywhere in the league. If Huff can keep up that pace with increased snaps, he will add to Howie Roseman's game-changing moves as Eagles' general manager.

Huff should fill the void left by Haason Reddick, who went the other way after the Jets traded for the experienced Pro Bowler. This could prove complicated for the Commanders if their protection doesn't rise to the occasion.