7 Commanders players firmly on the roster bubble heading into 2024 camp
By Dean Jones
Andre Jones Jr. - Commanders DE/OLB
Nobody expected the Washington Commanders to stand pat with their edge rushing options. Trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 deadline meant reinforcements were guaranteed. They duly arrived with three established veterans soon after free agency began.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. boasts the most long-term upside. Dante Fowler Jr. and Clelin Ferrell might only be short-term solutions to this ongoing complication. After that, everyone has questions aside from perhaps K.J. Henry, who flashed enough promise as a rookie to suggest more is possible.
These added options - although expected in the grand scheme of things - do nothing to enhance the prospects of Andre Jones Jr. The former seventh-round pick did well to make the team last season and get some much-needed experience. It wasn't a great contribution, but it should serve him well as he looks to impress a different set of eyes over camp.
It could go either way for Jones. The fact Washington's new regime has no emotional attachment to the player doesn't exactly help. But the Louisiana product's encouraging performances on special teams might be his saving grace.
Chris Paul - Commanders OL
The Commanders needed to solidify their offensive line this offseason. While severe concerns remain about the offensive tackle positions, things look more assured on the interior after Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti signed in free agency.
Biadasz will be the team's new starting center and represents an immediate upgrade on anything Washington churned out at the spot in 2023. Allegretti looks locked in at left guard as he looks to build on the positive momentum accumulated at the business end of the Kansas City Chiefs' memorable run to another Super Bowl.
Everything is up for grabs at the depth positions. Chris Paul's roster status is far from guaranteed after another frustrating campaign last time around. Nothing but improved production will do for the player, who's blown several opportunities to become a starting-caliber option.
Paul has the size and physicality to earn his place on the 53-man roster once again. Others are breathing down his neck, so it'll be interesting to see how the former seventh-round pick out of Tulsa copes with his job at stake.