7 Commanders who could be entering their final season with the team in 2024
By Dean Jones
Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders didn't do much to bolster their outside cornerback options this offseason. They strengthened their interior coverage considerably by selecting Mike Sainristil at No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. But aside from Michael Davis, others acquired during free agency seem like depth pieces and special teamers.
Washington opted to let their best outside coverage guy leave without much of a fight in free agency when Kendall Fuller signed for the Miami Dolphins. This was a supreme vote of confidence in Emmanuel Forbes and Benjamin St-Juste despite their respective struggles during the previous campaign.
St-Juste had moments of quality, but it was nowhere near the breakout level many anticipated. He gave up a ton of big plays and lacked concentration on occasion. However, all hope is not lost if improvements can arrive working alongside Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.
This is St-Juste's final opportunity to become a legitimate starting cornerback in the nation's capital. The former third-round selection out of Minnesota is entering the final year of his rookie deal, so a huge effort is needed in pursuit of convincing those in power that he's deserving of an extended stay.
Jamin Davis - Commanders LB
Jamin Davis has been something of an enigma since entering the league as a first-round pick out of Kentucky. His numbers have been pleasing over the last two seasons. At the same time, something is preventing the linebacker from taking that next step.
Hopefully, his true potential can be unlocked by Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr as part of their creative defensive scheme. Looking at the signings and draft picks made by the Washington Commanders this offseason, many anticipate Davis being deployed more as an edge rushing force similar to how the new head coach unleashed Micah Parsons during his time on the Dallas Cowboys. From the outside looking in, this looks well-suited to the player's physical skill set.
Hopes are high that Davis can take his game to new heights in 2024. The Commanders didn't pick up his fifth-year option as expected, so next season will be an audition for the second-level presence in pursuit of securing a longer-term commitment.
If anyone can ignite the spark with Davis, it's Quinn. Anything less could see his future with the Commanders plunged into greater doubts once the upcoming campaign concludes.