7 Commanders on the roster bubble after 2024 offseason overhaul

Mykal Walker - Commanders LB

The Washington Commanders have completely revamped their defensive second level this offseason. Ron Rivera failed to prioritize the linebacking corps effectively throughout his tenure and paid the price. Thankfully, general manager Adam Peters gave this part of the team's depth chart the respect it deserved.

Bobby Wagner, Anthony Pittman, and Frankie Luvu joined in free agency. The Commanders also signed Mykal Walker, but it seems the former fourth-round pick out of Fresno State could face a fight for his roster spot when preparations for the 2024 campaign gather pace.

Instead of resting on their laurels, the Commanders spent one of their draft selections on Jordan Magee, who looks tailor-made for Dan Quinn's scheme with the potential to occupy a rotational role immediately. Seventh-round pick Javontae Jean-Baptiste seems more like an outside rusher thanks to his physical profile, so much will depend on whether the coaching staff sees him as a 4-3 defensive end or a versatile weapon.

Either way, Magee's arrival raises the stakes for Walker. Hitting the ground running when workouts get more competitive is paramount.

Christian Holmes - Commanders CB

Although questions remain about the Washington Commanders' outside options at the cornerback position, things look a lot healthier in the slot. Those in power took Mike Sainristil at No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, who is 5-foot-9 but is gifted enough physically to step in and make himself known around the league.

Sainristil's presence on the roster should help, but it casts doubt on others under the new regime. Christian Holmes is the cornerback who could make way for the second-round pick out of Michigan looking at his skill set and lack of involvement over the last two seasons.

While Holmes flashed moments of genuine quality on special teams, the Commanders also upgraded this critical area of play throughout their first offseason with Adam Peters as the team's primary shot caller. With Michael Davis and Quan Martin also capable of manning corner responsibilities, it'll take a monumental effort from the former seventh-round selection out of Oklahoma State to catch the eye of head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.