7 Commanders players entering the last chance saloon in 2024
By Dean Jones
Jahan Dotson - Commanders WR
Jahan Dotson's projected breakout campaign didn't go according to plan last season. Much of this had to do with Eric Bieniemy's schematic concepts, but the wide receiver struggled with drops and seemed to lack the capabilities needed when it came to creating separation.
All hope is not lost with Dotson - far from it. The Commanders are giving him another shot at becoming an offensive focal point within Kliff Kingsbury's system. The former first-round selection appears invigorated and excited to develop a rapport with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Hopefully, this can provide the spark that ignites him to new heights next season.
While this is positive from Dotson's perspective, there is real urgency from the player's perspective to improve production. The Commanders are giving him a key role in 2024, but if he cannot deliver, Adam Peters will find someone who can.
We typically get a broad indication of what players are or can become after Year 3 of their professional careers. This makes it imperative for Dotson to show the world that he has what it takes to be a dynamic playmaker capable of causing havoc in opposing secondaries.
Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB
Perhaps surprisingly, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste is also getting a shot at redemption next season. The cornerback was targeted heavily by opposing offenses in 2023 and gave up chunk plays aplenty. While he had some nice moments, it was largely inconsistent and left more questions than answers.
St-Juste is arguably the team's best outside coverage presence after Kendall Fuller left for the Miami Dolphins in free agency. The jury is out on free-agent signing Michael Davis and Emmanuel Forbes also has a lot to prove following an underwhelming rookie campaign. If the former third-round pick cannot raise his performance levels in a contract year, it's not hard to see where the complications could arise.
Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. know how to bring the best out of the defensive backs at their disposal. St-Juste is in the best possible hands in that regard, so perhaps some new coaching ideas can help the player reach his undoubted potential.
If not, then this could be his final season in a Commanders' uniform. That's how high the stakes are for St-Juste during the 2024 campaign.