6 players who could follow Dan Quinn to the Commanders in 2024

Commanders could sign Deion Jones

One of Ron Rivera's biggest personnel flaws during his four-year stint as head coach and roster constructor was a failure to prioritize the linebacker spots. A strange development considering he used to play the position and how his successful Carolina Panthers teams always had a dominant defensive second level. And yet, it's something that came to fruition.

Dan Quinn won't be making the same mistake. He knows how vital having experience and explosiveness is to a linebacking unit. Aside from former first-round pick Jamin Davis, the Washington Commanders have nothing to genuinely depend upon in key moments.

Perhaps it might be worth Quinn going to someone he helped guide to the Pro Bowl once upon a time. Deion Jones is another who thrived under the coach's leadership. After a rocky road once they were parted, everything seemed to get back on track during his one - and perhaps only - season with the Carolina Panthers in 2023.

The Panthers won just two games this season, but their defense was surprisingly good. Jones enjoyed something of a career renaissance filling in for the injured Shaq Thompson, emerging as a core part of the rotation and being dependable in all phases.

While the Panthers might look to keep him around if Evero stays on as defensive coordinator under Dave Canales, the prospect of reuniting with Quinn on the Commanders could be a tempting proposition. This is a low-risk move, but the rewards will be substantial if this previous connection flourishes once again.