Adam Peters is a cutthroat roster builder. The Washington Commanders' general manager stops at nothing to improve his options. If that means upsetting some previously established veterans, it's a small price to pay.
The results speak for themselves. The Commanders' roster regeneration and locker room culture shift propelled this sleeping giant from the proverbial wilderness into legitimate Super Bowl contention in 2024. The turnaround was astonishing, but keeping it up represents a different challenge entirely.
Peters has a plan in place. Being ahead of schedule meant it had to be changed slightly, but the overall goal remained the same. The front-office leader wants to make the Commanders a perennial powerhouse and keep them there for as long as he's running the show.
This was especially evident during the 2025 NFL Draft. Peters ignored the perceived roster needs to take the best prospects available. He seized opportunities when they arose, raising standards and increasing competition for places. That will impact some more than others, so urgency should be immensely high when preparations for the upcoming campaign gather pace.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who just got replaced (whether they know it or not) after the 2025 NFL Draft and undrafted free agency.
Commanders players who just got replaced (whether they know it or not)
Dominique Hampton - Commanders LB/S
This might be a strange one to start with, considering the Washington Commanders didn't spend one of their five draft selections on another safety. However, the acquisition of undrafted free agent Trey Rucker has the scope to shake things up considerably.
Rucker was reportedly among the most coveted prospects who failed to hear their names called. The Commanders swooped quickly to secure his services, meaning Adam Peters and Dan Quinn saw something in the defensive back that could be molded into something more.
The former Oklahoma State standout is a hybrid defender with the physicality and versatility Quinn looks for. Rucker is a force coming downhill against the run, displaying sound intelligence and outstanding tackling angles in pursuit of the ball carrier. His experience as a box safety, off-ball linebacker, or even in the nickel role could see him earn a spot on the 53-man roster with a smooth transition.
That could spell doom for Dominique Hampton. Last year's fifth-round selection came into the league as a safety but transitioned to the defensive second level. He made the 53-man roster but was a healthy scratch more often than not. Unless significant improvements are made this summer, someone like Rucker could unseat him from the squad.