5 players the Commanders gave up on too soon during 2024 offseason
By Dean Jones
There was obvious excitement surrounding the Washington Commanders heading into their preparations for the 2024 campaign. However, one could forgive players for feeling a little on edge regarding their respective futures after some monumental alterations to the team's infrastructure.
Adam Peters came into the franchise with a ruthless, aggressive mentality to give this squad a much-needed makeover. Previous standing or where players were drafted didn't matter to the progressive young general manager. Anyone not pulling their weight or not fitting into the team's new way of thinking wouldn't last long.
Washington's roster heading into Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks almost unrecognizable from that which concluded the 2023 campaign - the last under head coach Ron Rivera. That's not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination, but there are a few players no longer around who might have been worthy of a longer look.
With this in mind, here are five players the Commanders perhaps gave up on too soon during a memorable 2024 offseason.
Players the Commanders gave up on too soon this offseason
Braeden Daniels - Commanders OL
There didn't seem much hope around Braeden Daniels heading into the offseason. The fourth-round selection spent his rookie campaign on injured reserve - which was a blessing in disguise after his torrid adjustment last summer. He faced a stiff test of his credentials this time around with a new regime coming into the fold harboring no emotional attachment to those drafted by previous head coach Ron Rivera.
It took time for Daniels to get going. This was expected considering how much football he missed during the previous campaign. However, there were signs of life from the offensive lineman over the Washington Commanders' preseason slate.
Daniels deserves credit for the way he applied himself, but it didn't change his fate. The former Utah star was waived in favor of guys like Trent Scott, who might have more experience but come with far less long-term upside attached.
Time will tell. But it was evident Daniels was always fighting a losing battle no matter how well he performed.