Even though the Washington Commanders still have six games left to navigate this season, some sections of the fan base have already begun to focus on the offseason. And it promises to make a make-or-break scenario for general manager Adam Peters.
The Commanders were expected to mount another strong playoff challenge this season. This was perceived as a franchise on the up with a superstar young quarterback under center. Unfortunately, head coach Dan Quinn's squad has managed just three wins from its first 11 contests, and any slim hopes of reaching the postseason disintegrated long ago.
Monumental alterations are coming to the playing personnel next spring. The Commanders are too old, too slow, and too devoid of explosiveness. An injection of energy is desperately needed, and the moves made by Peters will go a long way to determining just how long it'll take before Washington cements its place at the NFL's top table.
For some, the remaining games will serve as an audition. For others, their futures are already secured. And for many, their imminent departures seem like a foregone conclusion.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders — be it coaches or players — who are unlikely to make it past December when push comes to shove.
Commanders who won't make it past December, and everyone knows it
Jason Simmons - Commanders' pass game coordinator
Head coach Dan Quinn values loyalty highly. It's a strong element of his cultural shift within the Washington Commanders, but he cannot let it become his undoing. Changes are needed, and that doesn't just include the players.
His staff also needs a fresh set of ideas to take the franchise forward. Quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard is departing after Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos. He secured the head coaching position at Stanford, which is disappointing for the Commanders, but nobody would begrudge him the chance to lead his alma mater.
Pritchard probably won't be the only coach to depart. Much will depend on what Quinn has planned, but it would be a big surprise if some tweaks to the defensive staff didn't occur once the 2025 campaign concludes.
That brings Jason Simmons firmly under the microscope. The Commanders' pass game coordinator hasn't gotten a good enough tune out of his unit. Young players, aside from second-round rookie Trey Amos, haven't developed. Veterans are regressing at an alarming rate, so his seat is getting increasingly warm with no improvements in sight.
If Quinn believes a shift is needed, Simmons will be among those firmly on the chopping block.