5 players the Commanders gave up on too soon during 2024 offseason
By Dean Jones
Tariq Castro-Fields - Commanders CB
Tariq Castro-Fields' offseason with the Washington Commanders was a mysterious one. Things looked incredibly promising for the cornerback once upon a time. He made a good opening impression on the coaching staff and got plenty of reps with the first-string defense over the first half of training camp to further raise optimism.
Then, something changed.
Just why Castro-Fields fell out of favor is anyone's guess. He needed to stand out considerably during the preseason, which never materialized. Those in power let him go despite some serious questions surrounding their outside cornerback options.
Castro-Fields wasn't disheartened for long. The former Penn State standout was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers and secured an interception during his first practice with the team. They're not blessed with great depth, so gaining prominent reps in 2024 is well within his capabilities if the same trend continues.
Depending on how Castro-Fields fares and how Washington's cornerbacks perform throughout the campaign, this particular departure could be regrettable when it's all said and done.
Martavis Bryant - Commanders WR
Martavis Bryant was always facing an uphill battle after arriving so late into Dan Quinn's squad., The veteran wide receiver is looking for a second opportunity after losing most of his prime to suspension. He got his foot back in the door in 2023 with the Dallas Cowboys, but no other offers arrived before the Commanders came calling.
In fairness to Bryant, he maximized his short time with the organization. He looked the part physically, displaying assured hands, and was a high-quality outside blocker on running plays. These strong practice traits came across in the preseason, where he also caught a touchdown in Washington's preseason finale against the New England Patriots.
This wasn't enough for Bryant to get a reprieve. He was cut by the Commanders and didn't even make it onto their practice squad, which represents a body blow to the player's chances of fighting his way onto an NFL roster again.
Keeping Bryant around in the event injury struck might have been wise. But from a developmental standpoint, the decision-makers thought Mitchell Tinsley and Brycen Tremayne came with more upside.