Commanders initial 53-man roster projection after 2024 preseason finale

Commanders wide receivers (6)

• Terry McLaurin, Dyami Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Olamide Zaccheaus, Martavis Bryant, Jamison Crowder

The Washington Commanders shook things up in the wide receiver unit by trading Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles. He was struggling to fit in and fell down the pecking order along the way. Adam Peters didn't hesitate to take the best offer available, even if it came from a division rival.

This is great news for the likes of Luke McCaffrey, Olamide Zaccheaus, and the resurgent Dyami Brown. However, it would be a surprise if Peters didn't bring in another capable performer before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rolls around.

Terry McLaurin remains the alpha and most productive performer by a considerable margin. Martavis Bryant's whirlwind start to life in Washington could see him get a spot on the initial 53. Jamison Crowder's experience and dependability in the return game might be enough to secure his place over someone like Kazmeir Allen.

Commanders running backs (3)

• Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Michael Wiley

There's an interesting dynamic brewing in the Commanders' running back room. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are locked in as the starting tandem and should provide a significant upgrade if both stay clear of injuries. After that, things are less clear heading into final cuts.

Several candidates are in the running for Washington's third spot. They could take more through, but Michael Wiley is a gamble worth taking after the undrafted free agent shone throughout the offseason program.

Jeremy McNichols and former sixth-round selection Chris Rodriguez Jr. couldn't be completely dismissed. If the Commanders take four running backs onto their initial 53-man squad, the veteran free-agent signing might be preferred. This would leave yet another Ron Rivera draft pick on the outside looking in.

Commanders quarterbacks (3)

• Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Jeff Driskel

The Commanders are moving forward with Jayden Daniels as their franchise quarterback. His exceptional offseason raised hope that the organization finally has an electrifying player under center capable of spearheading their renaissance. Dan Quinn named him the Week 1 starter - something he's earned beyond all doubt - and there's growing belief a special future could be in the offing if others meet their end of the bargain.

Marcus Mariota was signed to be the primary backup but has dealt with injuries throughout the offseason. The Commanders might decide to take through three quarterbacks as a result, with Jeff Driskel preferred to undrafted free agent Sam Hartman.

Hartman is a shoo-in for the practice squad if he clears waivers. If those in power take through two quarterbacks, Driskel could replace him should a better offer not arrive from elsewhere.

More Commanders news and analysis