5 veteran Commanders players who may not make the final roster in 2024

Cole Turner - Commanders TE

Cole Turner’s future in a Washington Commanders uniform is largely dependent on what veteran Zach Ertz has left in the tank. He's made a strong start to early workouts, but we won't know for sure until the intensity ramps up later this summer.

Ertz was signed this offseason. He's a plug-and-play replacement for salary-cap casualty Logan Thomas and a reliable veteran receiving tight end. He performed that role for Kliff Kingsbury with the Arizona Cardinals back in 2021 before age and injury slowed him down.

This is the role that Turner was drafted to play in 2022. However, in two years, he has produced virtually nothing.

Turner's rookie campaign was hindered by injury. But last season - with the team desperate for playmakers on offense within Eric Bieniemy's pass-happy scheme - he rode the bench behind the aging Thomas. This was a damning indictment of how the coaching staff perceived his ability to make a legitimate difference.

The new regime invested in Ben Sinnott at No. 53 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Commanders have roles clearly defined for its tight ends. That's not great news for Turner entering Year 3 of his professional career.

Sinnott will play all over the field. John Bates will be the primary in-line blocker. Ertz, if he’s able, will provide veteran leadership who can both catch and block.

That doesn’t leave much room for a one-dimensional receiving tight end like Turner, especially considering the presence of several other young, intriguing options at the position. Armani Rogers returns from injury this year, and the recent signing of Colson Yankoff suggests Adam Peters may be more interested in versatile playmakers like he had in San Francisco with George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk.

Turner will have to beat out both of them to bolster his roster chances. Even if he does, it may not be enough to secure his place.