7 Commanders on the 53-man roster who might not last the entire 2024 season

Marcus Mariota - Commanders QB

Marcus Mariota was acquired to be the veteran backup quarterback by the Washington Commanders this offseason. They had their sights set on a college prospect at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft - Jayden Daniels. Dan Quinn wanted a genuine competition between the two this offseason, but the winner was determined from a long way out.

Mariota had some trouble with injuries throughout camp. This didn't stop him from assuming his biggest responsibility, which is helping Daniels adjust and prepare to ensure he hits the ground running in Year 1 of his professional career.

The Commanders took three quarterbacks through onto their 53-man roster after Jeff Driskel impressed during the offseason. Undrafted free agent Sam Hartman is on the practice squad. If a quarterback-needy team sees Mariota as a potential trade option before the deadline, general manager Adam Peters could send him packing for more valuable draft compensation to assist his rebuilding project.

Having Mariota around is beneficial. He was a Heisman Trophy winner and a No. 2 pick just like Daniels. But once the former LSU standout finds his feet, Washington might become receptive to trade offers if there is sufficient interest.

Cade York - Commanders K

The Commanders' kicking complications became an ongoing concern throughout the summer. Brandon McManus' release meant those in power had to start from scratch. It was not ideal, but it eventually led them to a trade with the Cleveland Browns for Cade York.

Ramiz Ahmed got the first chance to impress but failed to deliver. Riley Patterson was claimed off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars but was inconsistent. Adam Peters wasn't going to wait for reinforcements after final cuts, identifying York as a primary option and sending a conditional seventh-round selection to the Browns to secure his services.

York's exceptional rookie debut against the Carolina Panthers was a high bar he couldn't match throughout the 2022 campaign. He didn't kick in a competitive setting at all last season and couldn't beat out Dustin Hopkins for the No. 1 job this time around.

The former fourth-round selection out of LSU began his time in Washington well, but this situation remains precarious until further notice. If York cannot keep up this impressive start when things matter more, Peters won't hesitate to cut the cord and go in a different direction.