7 Commanders players who can make themselves major money in 2024

The Washington Commanders enter the season with nowhere to go but up. After finishing 4-13 in 2023, the team will begin this year with new faces from the executive suite down to the practice squad. The upcoming campaign offers a chance to everyone associated with the franchise.

Several of the players could turn a successful 2024 campaign into a huge payday next offseason. Some of the team’s highest-profile players may not have major financial incentives in the coming season. Some, like veteran stars Terry McLaurin, Jonathan Allen, and Daron Payne are locked in for the next several years.

The highest-ceiling free agents signed this offseason - Dorance Armstrong, Tyler Biadasz, and Frankie Luvu - are also signed for the next three years. When he signs, prized rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will be inked to a four-year deal with the Commanders holding the option on a fifth season.

Washington expects great things from all of those players, but their current financial situation will not be affected by their play in 2024. However, there are a lot of players who are on one-year deals. Some others would have a lot of bargaining leverage with a stellar year.

Here are seven such Commanders players who could seriously cash in if they perform well when competitive games begin.

Jamin Davis - Commanders LB

Jamin Davis will count $3.89 million against the salary cap in the final year of his rookie deal. The Washington Commanders chose not to pick up his fifth-year option, which will make him a free agent at the end of the upcoming season. Given his mundane performance during his first four campaigns, it was the right decision.

However, Davis remains a physically gifted player who has grown into a steadier presence over time. Given the abysmal track record of the previous coaching staff in developing young players, a new defensive scheme could unlock the former first-round pick.

If he can put up somewhat better numbers in 2024 - perhaps going over 100 tackles and reaching five sacks - Davis could see a big payoff next summer.

Josey Jewell signed a three-year deal for $18 million this past season. Davis is younger and has a higher ceiling. If he merely signed for what the veteran got from the Carolina Panthers, that would more than double his current salary.

With a very good season, he could go a lot higher.