7 emerging training camp cut candidates the Commanders could sign in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders could sign Payton Turner
- Edge Rusher | New Orleans Saints
Payton Turner has every athletic intangible associated with productive NFL pass-rushers. The former first-round pick is big, long, and explosive to the contact point. But for some reason, it just hasn't all come together as yet.
Turner struggled to make an impression over his first three seasons with the New Orleans Saints. Injuries have derailed his progress considerably, so it came as no surprise to see the NFC South outfit decline his fifth-year option.
There are plenty of defensive ends ahead of him on the depth chart, including ex-Washington Commanders star Chase Young. New general manager Adam Peters could make room for Turner if he becomes available. And who knows, perhaps a fresh start is exactly what the player needs to galvanize his career.
Players taken high in the draft always get a second chance. Turner's not shown much with three sacks to date, but it wouldn't hurt to take a flier and see if a change of scenery does the Houston product some good.
Commanders could sign Anders Carlson
- Kicker | Green Bay Packers
The Commanders are giving Riley Patterson a chance to impress with no competition after releasing Ramiz Ahmed. This is a boost to the veteran kicker, even if his spot is not assured by any stretch of the imagination.
Patterson's been the best of a mundane duo since he was claimed off waivers following his departure from the Jacksonville Jaguars. He'll know better than anyone what can happen if things don't improve. It's also worth remembering plenty of good kickers are about to be looking for alternative employment with final cuts on the immediate horizon.
Anders Carlson could be someone of interest. He's still listed as the Green Bay Packers starting kicker. However, he's got a big challenge on his hands to keep Greg Joseph and Alex Hale at arm's length for another opportunity.
One could argue that either Carlson or Joseph would be an upgrade on Patterson. The former sixth-round selection made 81.8 percent of his field goal attempts as a rookie, which isn't great. But he should have gained a tremendous amount from his first taste of NFL pressure en route to better fortunes moving forward.