Commanders 53-man 2024 roster projection: Summer break edition

Commanders safeties

Locks: Jeremy Chinn, Darrick Forrest, Quan Martin
Bubble: Percy Butler, Jeremy Reaves, Dominique Hampton

Before the Washington Commanders drafted Mike Sainristil, jack-of-all-trades Quan Martin might have settled into the slot cornerback role. His future might be at safety now.

Martin is versatile and talented. The coaches will find ways to use him. That flexibility should allow them to move Jeremy Chinn around as well. He has proven most effective in playing closer to the line of scrimmage. The former Illinois star's presence in the deep end will give Chinn that opportunity.

Darrick Forrest returns from injury to take over the deep safety role that Percy Butler played last year. He is better suited to playing strong safety, as is veteran Jeremy Reaves. However, that is also the spot where 2024 draftee Dominique Hampton will be deployed.

Since this regime chose Hampton, he may have a leg up on both veterans. As with the back end of Washington's linebacking corps, special teams play will play a major role in determining the final spot or two.

Reaves is a proven commodity. Butler was known for his special teams prowess when he entered the league but has only been average thus far. Given that the current administration brought in aces like Anthony Pittman and James Pierre, there may not be room for everybody.

Final roster (4): Jeremy Chinn, Darrick Forrest, Quan Martin, Dominique Hampton

Commanders special teams

Locks: Tress Way, Tyler Ott
Bubble: Ramiz Ahmed

There was some thought that the new regime might decide to part ways with long-time punter Tress Way. The veteran stalwart commands a high salary for a punter and has seen his production diminish a bit over the past few seasons. But they chose to hold onto the longest-tenured Commanders' veteran for at least one more year.

Way is a team leader and first-rate holder, in addition to remaining a quality punter. Tyler Ott, well-known to new special teams coordinator Larry Izzo, will be the new long snapper and should lend stability to that position.

The other specialist role is entirely up for grabs.

Washington moved quickly to release veteran kicker Brandon McManus after troubling allegations about his behavior last season. They seem content to move forward with an unproven but talented young kicker in his place. The current contestant is Ramiz Ahmed and he could certainly win the job. But expect plenty of competition between now and the start of the season.

Final roster (3): Tress Way, Tyler Ott, Kicker to be determined