7 Commanders who could be entering their final season with the team in 2024

Darrick Forrest - Commanders S

Letting a talented young player such as Kamren Curl walk in free agency without so much as offering him a new deal was a big statement from Adam Peters. The Washington Commanders will be doing things differently under the new general manager. If he believes the money demands don't match the production, he'll look elsewhere for alternatives.

This puts everyone on edge and should increase urgency considerably. Darrick Forrest is in a similar boat to Curl as a gifted safety only just entering his prime, but he'll need to prove his worth within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive system to guarantee himself another deal.

Forrest's encouraging progress was derailed significantly by injury in 2023. The Commanders brought in additional safety competition with Jeremy Chinn in free agency and Dominique Hampton via the 2024 NFL Draft. This provides them with a contingency plan if the former fifth-round pick suffers more bad luck on the health front.

It's too soon to be writing off Forrest just yet looking at the player's overall body of work. However, the team's ruthless approach with Curl adds another fascinating dynamic to this equation.

Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT

Johnny Newton falling out of the first round and into their laps at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft was an opportunity Adam Peters wasn't going to waste. The stud defensive lineman was seen by most as a look to go in the top 32 selections, but a run on other positions and a Jones fracture suffered before the evaluation process played into the Washington Commanders' hands.

This wasn't a significant need for the Commanders thanks to the presence of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. That said, Newton was high enough on the team's board for Peters to take the plunge. Something that could completely shift the landscape over the next couple of years.

It didn't take long for speculation regarding Allen's future to resurface after the Commanders spent a high-end pick on Newton. There's been no sign that those in power are willing to entertain trade offers for the Pro Bowler despite his unhappiness last season. What comes during the next offseason - which will be the last of his lucrative deal - is another matter.

Allen needs to perform better after showing signs of slowing down in 2023. He isn't alone in that regard, but more is expected of the former first-round pick as the undisputed defensive locker room alpha.

If Allen cannot raise his production, a situation could emerge where Peters looks to get something back in return. This would save the Commanders $17 million against their salary cap in 2025 for good measure.