John Bates - Commanders TE
John Bates' rookie contract is up and Adam Peters now has to decide whether he will continue with the Washington Commanders. He acted as the clear TE2 and primary blocking option for the offense, but he is easily replaceable.
The Commanders selected Ben Sinnott in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He should be the future tight end for the team.
- Stay or go? Go
Bates earned just a 47.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, meaning he did not have a great season. If Zach Ertz is retained and Sinnott takes a step forward, there won't be any room unless he wants to come back on a minimum deal.
Trent Scott - Commanders OL
Trent Scott didn't play great as an offensive tackle when called upon. But he was much more effective on the interior when Sam Cosmi went down with a torn ACL in Washington's divisional-round win over the Detroit Lions.
- Stay or go? Stay
With Cosmi likely missing most if not all of the 2025 campaign season, the offensive line needs someone who has held their own at right guard. The offense will also need at least a few veteran depth pieces that are familiar with the blocking concepts.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
Chris Rodriguez Jr. has not had many opportunities to shine for the offense. In the two games he was given double-digit rushing attempts, he has posted 4.7 and 7.2 yards per carry.
The former Kentucky Wildcat earned an 88.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in his seven games he appeared in this season. Rodriguez is a powerful runner who plays with a lot of heart. But the exclusive rights free agent's future is precarious.
- Stay or go? Stay
Rodriguez is just 25 years old and does not have a lot of tread on the tires. Even though the team will likely add at least one running back to the team in the offseason, having solid depth will be crucial.
Jamison Crowder - Commanders WR/KR
Jamison Crowder came back to the Commanders in 2023 after four seasons away from the team. He was once a great slot receiver, but the veteran is now a shell of his former self.
The former Duke Blue Devil earned just a 54.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, consistently putting him among the team's worst-graded players weekly. His special teams contributions weren't great either with two muffed punts.
- Stay or go? Go
Crowder is unfortunately not worth keeping around anymore, even with his long-standing history with the team.
Michael Deiter - Commanders OL
Michael Deiter was nothing more than a depth piece on the offensive line — someone who could shuffle around if injuries occurred. For a three-game stint during the end of the regular season, he had to fill in as the team's starting center due to Tyler Biadasz's injury.
- Stay or go? Go
Deiter is not worth retaining as a backup interior offensive lineman. Peters can find better depth options in the draft or free agency.
K.J. Osborn - Commanders WR
K.J. Osborn was signed to the team in December after being released by the New England Patriots. Some people expected him to have an impact on the offense, but he unfortunately did not.
The former Miami Hurricane was only activated for one game. Osborn only participated in eight snaps and compiled no statistics.
- Stay or go? Go
Osborn had a solid career before arriving in Washington, but the receiver room past Terry McLaurin needs to be revamped. It's best to just move on.
Jeff Driskel - Commanders QB
Jeff Driskel served as the Commanders' QB3 in 2024 and his services were not needed once during the season. It's safe to say he did not have an impact on the campaign.
- Stay or go? Go
The former Louisiana Tech Bulldog has been a career journeyman and will likely remain that for the foreseeable future. The Commanders seem to like Sam Hartman. It's looking like he is in the team's plans at least as a QB3.
This leaves Driskel as the odd man out.