Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as those in power get set to make their initial 53-man roster public knowledge?
Ron Rivera and others in positions of power are currently making some tough choices to get the Washington Commanders roster down to 53 players. This is always the worst time of year around the league, with hopes crushed and hundreds of hopefuls left facing uncertain futures. The prospect of further additions via the waiver wire later this week cannot be ignored and means the initial group could change in the blink of an eye.
A dramatic few days await. Until then, among the stories causing debate recently include Jake Fromm's status, Braeden Daniels named as a surprise cut candidate, Carson Wentz receiving interest, and the Commanders touted with a potential trade before the campaign.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders OL Braeden Daniels' future
Giving up on draft picks so soon into their NFL careers is a big call for anyone to make. Something that Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera might also be contemplating before making his initial 53-man roster official.
This was a topic brought up recently by Bryan Manning from USA Today Sports, who named fourth-round offensive lineman Braeden Daniels as a surprise cut candidate after just a few short months with the franchise.
"Washington selected Utah OT Braeden Daniels in the fourth round, believing he could play tackle in the NFL, despite others believing his future home would be at guard. Things haven’t gone smoothly for Daniels. And for a team with real offensive line concerns, especially at tackle, can the Commanders afford to wait for Daniels to develop him? Or move him to guard? And if they move him to guard, there are others ahead of him there. It’s doubtful head coach Ron Rivera would cut a fourth-round pick, but several others have been better, including undrafted guard Mason Brooks."Bryan Manning, USA Today Sports
This is highly unlikely all things considered. The Commanders saw something in Daniels during their pre-draft assessments and even though it hasn't been smooth sailing as yet, this was always going to be a project rather than someone that can contribute prominent reps immediately.
Commanders QB Jake Fromm's future
Another who'll be anxiously waiting for the phone to ring today or tomorrow - if it hasn't already - is Jake Fromm. The quarterback performed superbly throughout his time on the field during preseason games, but whether the Washington Commanders take three signal-callers through onto their roster is the biggest talking point currently.
There is a chance Ron Rivera goes down this route. The Commanders haven't had the best luck keeping quarterbacks healthy in recent years, with the new NFL rule permitting an emergency option to be activated if injury strikes something else that might tip the scales in Fromm's favor.
Regardless of which way it goes for Fromm, the Commanders' head coach was highly complimentary of the former Georgia standout via Sports Illustrated. Something that could lead to a roster spot when it's all said and done.
"I think Jake has shown himself to be a worthy guy. He's done a nice job for us. We know he's got a terrific background, having played at an SEC school (and then being with Buffalo and been with us the last couple of years. He's been a guy that's been good in our quarterbacks room, as well."Ron Rivera via Sports Illustrated
This all comes down to the numbers game and how confident the Commanders are in the health of Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett. Both players have been relatively fit throughout their respective careers, so it'll be interesting to see how things shake out.
Interest in former Commanders QB Carson Wentz
We are now a little under two weeks from the first regular season Sunday of the 2023 campaign and Carson Wentz is still looking for a new home. The veteran quarterback was released by the Washington Commanders as expected after one disastrous year for the franchise, with no formal offers emerging since despite the signal-caller staying ready.
There could be some movement where Wentz is concerned according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The senior insider stated via The Spun that there's been interest from the Kansas City Chiefs, who are looking to improve their backup options behind reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes heading into their Super Bowl title defense.
"Carson Wentz and the Chiefs did talk this offseason. There was some dialogue about Wentz potentially joining the Chiefs maybe down the road, or at least, you know, keeping that communication open. And I was told the Chiefs were fairly receptive to that idea. Certainly they respect the talent. And I was told Wentz is open to getting to a championship-type team, getting into a new winning culture, where he can learn, you know, sit behind a Patrick Mahomes."Jeremy Fowler via The Spun
This would be the best-case scenario for Wentz. It takes him out of the firing line, gives him a genuine chance of another Super Bowl ring, and he can also build confidence back up working alongside two prolific figures such as Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid.
Commanders urged to make LB trade
Big things are expected of the Washington Commanders' defense in 2023. This group has the potential to be the league's best if everyone stays clear of injury, with very few weak links to potentially exploit looking at the options at Jack Del Rio's disposal.
One area of concern centers on the linebacking unit. Jamin Davis is likely to be productive, but too many questions surround the rest to have any sort of supreme confidence in their ability to produce consistently.
This was a topic brought up by Steve Silverman from Clutch Points, who urged the Commanders to make a daring trade for Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith to further bolster their hopes in 2023.
"The defensive line cannot do it all by itself. The linebacking crew is not up to snuff, and this has to irk Rivera, a fine linebacker in his playing days with the Chicago Bears. This is where the Commanders need to make a move. They need to find a linebacker in a trade who can upgrade this unit and support the talented defensive line. The Pittsburgh Steelers are loaded at the LB position, and if the Commanders can make a trade for Alex Highsmith, they would upgrade their unit."Steve Silverman, Clutch Points
While there's no doubt he would help the Commanders, his makes no sense whatsoever. Highsmith recently signed a lucrative contract extension with the Steelers and is a big part of their plans, so even if Washington did make an inquiry, it's an absolute non-starter.