The Washington Commanders are winding down their training camp, but the hard work is just getting started. This is the first phase in Adam Peters' vast rebuilding project. The new general manager did a nice job of gutting the roster and putting this franchise in a better position to thrive long-term. However, it's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination.
Peters won't hesitate to ring more changes if the right opportunities come along. The Commanders sit at No. 2 in the waiver wire order until Week 4, which is something the former San Francisco 49ers executive will take advantage of. There's also more than enough salary-cap space to sign veterans who don't quite make the grade elsewhere.
There are some holes to fill and not a lot of time to make things happen. This was always going to be a gradual process, but the Commanders are in a good position to improve if Peters continues his outstanding start to life in the top job.
With this in mind, here are seven potential training camp cut candidates emerging around the league the Commanders could sign if they become available.
Emerging training camp cut candidates the Commanders could sign
Commanders could sign Willie Harvey Jr.
- Linebacker | Dallas Cowboys
Willie Harvey Jr. came to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason and reportedly impressed during camp. However, a lackluster display in their preseason opener led some to speculate whether he'd be made surplus to requirements when the time for final cuts arrives.
The Washington Commanders have a much stronger linebacking corps than at any stage during the Ron Rivera era. Adam Peters and Dan Quinn should be pretty pleased with how things are unfolding at the defensive second level. At the same time, another veteran piece to go behind Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, and rookie Jordan Magee wouldn't hurt if Jamin Davis continues to spend time as an edge rusher.
Harvey hasn't played a competitive NFL game since 2021, but he's shown signs of life in Dallas. He's also got the athletic profile Quinn looks for in his players. Being a productive special teams performer only adds to the intrigue.
Commanders could sign Larrel Murchinson
- Defensive Line | Los Angeles Rams
The Washington Commanders have plenty of strength at their defensive tackle position heading into the 2024 season. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne are cemented as the starting tandem and will play a significant part in any success that comes their way. Hopes are high surrounding second-round pick Johnny Newton, but he's dealt with some frustrating injury issues throughout his first offseason with the franchise.
Phidarian Mathis and John Ridgeway III are the two others legitimately vying for roster spots currently. Neither is guaranteed to make it, so a situation could emerge where Adam Peters brings in another capable body to bolster the options behind the projected top three.
Larrell Murchison suffered an arm injury in the Los Angeles Rams' preseason opener, which was a blow to his hopes of making the team depending on its severity. The former fifth-round pick flashed promise throughout his time in the league without ever truly establishing himself. There's also a lot to like about his ability to generate pressure from the interior when the situation dictates.
Much will depend on his recovery timeline, but he could be an upgrade on Mathis or Ridgeway all things considered.
Commanders could sign John Metchie III
- Wide Receiver | Houston Texans
Martavis Bryant signing with the Commanders indicates those in power aren't quite convinced by some options in the wide receiver room. This unit will be depended upon heavily in 2024 with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels under center. It wouldn't be a surprise to see another gifted pass-catcher come into the fold before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
There's an interesting dynamic brewing with the Houston Texans. They have an abundance of outstanding pass-catchers and not everyone is going to make it. John Metchie III is on the chopping block after an indifferent training camp - something those around the league will be monitoring closely.
Metchie's overcome significant adversity to get himself back in football shape. The Texans have surged without him, so those in power could decide to cut him loose via trade or placing him on waivers.
This should interest the Commanders, but there's one big problem. Metchie already has a previously developed chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young from their time together at Alabama and the Carolina Panthers sit at No. 1 on the waiver wire order. If Houston moves forward without him, that seems his most likely destination.
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.
Commanders could sign Jackson Carman
- Offensive Line | Cincinnati Bengals
One of the biggest concerns around the Washington Commanders roster right now centers on their offensive line depth. The starting five looks improved - especially if third-round rookie Brandon Coleman hits the ground running at left tackle. But a few injuries will expose this unit looking at the options available.
This won't be going unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters. He'll know more is needed unless there's a drastic surge from players like Braeden Daniels and Ricky Stromberg - two players drafted by Ron Rivera. Linemen on the waiver wire often come with baggage, but it's something the respected front-office figure should be examining in great detail when the time comes.
Jackson Carman's status with the Cincinnati Bengals is in question. The former second-round selection hasn't developed as many analysts anticipated. He's got some starting experience and can operate on the edge or as an interior presence. But his less-than-stellar performance in the AFC North side's preseason curtain-raiser did nothing to diminish concerns about his future.
Carman would be a gamble, there's no getting away from that. At the same time, the Clemson product is nothing more than a backup in his current location. Getting a new challenge is something he'll relish in this scenario.
Commanders could sign Damarion Williams
- Cornerback | Baltimore Ravens
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. has gone through some severe complications over the last week. The cornerback was torched by Garrett Wilson during a joint practice and also gave up a touchdown in Washington's preseason opener at the New York Jets. This was a major step back for the former first-round selection, who looks set to occupy backup responsibilities unless drastic improvements arrive.
The Commanders could also look for more cornerback help if someone with the athletic profile to fit within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s scheme becomes available. Damarion Williams is entering a critical third season with the Baltimore Ravens and was recently challenged by head coach John Harbaugh to impress enough for his roster spot. The jury is still out on that one.
Williams isn't the biggest, but he's feisty and instinctive. This could be the perfect option to sit behind the starting trio and fill in for Mike Sainristil when the second-round pick is deployed as an outside option depending on the schematic alignment.
It'll be interesting to see how Adam Peters approaches the team's cornerback options. Many are unknown quantities or need to bounce back from disappointing seasons. The margin for error is slim, so don't be surprised if another reinforcement is sought before Washington's regular-season opener.