Is this season over, yet? These Washington Commanders have given us some fun moments in 2023, but overall, they've got a lot of work to do.
This coming offseason is a pivotal one, as we could see some big changes whether it be within the coaching staff or personnel. It's pretty clear. This organization needs a new culture.
Likely finishing with a top-five pick in the draft, which means a bottom-five record in the league, the Commanders and their fan base have probably already started looking ahead a bit. In doing so, we've identified five players who don't deserve to be on this roster come next year.
1. Cody Barton, LB
Washington needs help all over the place on defense, and linebacker is no exception. Current starting middle linebacker Cody Barton simply isn't cutting it. His support in the run game is lackluster. He isn't great in coverage (120.7 passer rating allowed to opposing quarterbacks).
He just isn't a difference-maker, and thus should not return to the team, at least as a starter. The former third-round pick is in the only year of his deal with Washington, and especially with a new coaching staff likely to come in, he's a goner.
Currently, the Commanders have the no. 4 pick in the draft. If they are good to ride Sam Howell into next year as the starting quarterback, then a trade down is well-worth exploring. Moving down toward the bottom of the first round could get them in justifiable range to draft Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who would join a division rival of his father's former NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles.
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2. Nick Gates and Tyler Larsen, C
Let's group these two into one and just simply say that the Commanders have to find themselves a new starting center in 2024. The offensive line has not been good, overall, especially on the interior (other than Sam Cosmi, of course).
Whether it has been Nick Gates or Tyler Larsen, Washington hasn't gotten enough out of their starting centers. Larsen is one of the worst pass-blocking centers in all of football this year, and after taking over for Gates, he's gone on to allow even more total pressures on Sam Howell. Both have played over 400 snaps on the year by now, with Gates allowing five sacks and five quarterback hits, and Larsen allowing three sacks and four quarterback hits.
The difference is, Larsen has allowed 24 total pressures to Gates' 19. Larsen's saving grace is the fact that he has not been called for a penalty, while Gates has been flagged four times.
It doesn't matter how you spin it. The Commanders need a different starting center next season, and that's a fact. Washington would be just fine moving on from both of these guys and starting anew.
3. Casey Toohill, EDGE
It is going to be extremely difficult for any team to replace both Chase Young and Montez Sweat immediately after trading them. Casey Toohill has stepped into a starting role since their departures, and he's hardly been an ideal replacement.
If you asked Pro Football Focus, Toohill is ranked 97th out of 109 possible players at his position around the NFL. That's ... in a word ... bad. Toohill is one of the biggest reasons this Washington defense is in the bottom half of the league against the run. He has been one of the worst run defenders on this unit, by far.
On a positive note, Toohill does have 5.0 sacks on the season. But, that is also kind of a fluky number. Toohill has been far from consistent in garnering pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Consider those sacks more so of a few "flash in the pan" type moments. They're more of an anomaly than they are the norm.
Washington has to overhaul the edge position, obviously, and Toohill likely won't make it back onto this roster after nearly four seasons here.
4. John Bates, TE
The tight end position is tough to evaluate. Quite frankly, if you took some of the best qualities from everyone in this room you might have the perfect starter. But, the Commanders don't have that legitimate playmaker at tight end, and they need to try to find one.
John Bates has been arguably worthless as a receiver and isn't used much there. He excels only in pass blocking, but the Commanders also use him as a blocker because of the poor play of their offensive line at times.
In three seasons, Bates has caught 49 passes for 488 yards and a pair of scores. Washington would be fine letting him go. He's kind of just been "there."
In addition to letting go of Bates, the Commanders might soon be living life without veteran Logan Thomas as well. Thomas will be 33 years old next season and the Commanders can save $7 million by cutting the oft-injured tight end.
Cole Turner might be the future at the position in terms of being a pass catcher, but he's been utilized even less, playing just 18 percent of snaps. This position could use a serious upgrade in 2024.
5. Antonio Gibson, RB
This is more of a mutual decision, I would think. Since drafting Antonio Gibson back in 2020, the Commanders haven't been able to make up their mind. At first, Ron Rivera raved about Gibson's do-it-all type of skill set and even compared him to Christian McCaffrey, which many of us laughed at.
At times, Gibson has been very good for the Commanders. He finished with over 1,000 total yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns as a rookie, then followed it up with over 1,300 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns in his second season.
But, since Washington drafted Brian Robinson, Gibson has been used in various capacities. Some games, he's featured in a key role. Other games, it's almost as if he's in the dog house and has been phased out. Now, some of those times can be due to a fumble here and there.
But, after four long years in Washington, I would want out if I'm Gibson. He is still talented enough to contribute elsewhere, but for some reason, he hasn't caught on as someone who is in the good graces of this coaching staff and appears to be on his way out after this rookie contract is up.
The Commanders also shouldn't pay a running back after his rookie deal in today's NFL, unless they were to get their hands on a top-5, elite back.