The Washington Commanders are always looking to make roster adjustments. Unfortunately for those lower down the pecking order, that makes their situations precarious at all times.
General manager Adam Peters is not in the business of adding sentiment to his thought process. That proved to be the case for one of last summer's most heartwarming stories, who was quietly sent packing by the Commanders to make room for new blood.
Before the start of Tuesday's practice at organized team activities, the Commanders confirmed the signing of tight end Anthony Firkser. To make room, Washington released second-year wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks.
Commanders give up on Ja'Corey Brooks experiment one year after feel-good emergence
This was met with disappointment. Not because Brooks was expected to be a big part of the team's plans, but because he gained a lot of fans during his first offseason in Washington.
Brooks arrived as a 2025 undrafted free agent and caught the eye throughout Washington's offseason program. Speculation rose about whether the Louisville product could force his way onto the 53-man roster, but it wasn't to be. Even though he missed out, the rookie managed to stick around on the practice squad to continue his development.
This was a positive for Brooks, but opportunities on the game-day squad were extremely limited. Fellow UDFA Jacoby Jones was preferred amid Washington's injury crisis. The Commanders added to the receiver room this offseason, which pushed him even further down the depth chart.
I listed Brooks among the players already falling behind at OTAs. Others caught the eye, and I just got the sense that the desired growth wasn't being made. The Commanders confirmed this with his early departure, and his NFL future now looks more uncertain than ever before.
Perhaps another team will give Brooks a chance to make their team, but there is just no telling for sure. There is the CFL or UFL to fall back on, but the NFL remains the dream until told otherwise.
For the Commanders, it takes another wideout out of the equation. However, anyone who remains and thinks this is good news may be out of luck if another productive veteran arrives.
It's interesting that a tight end was signed and one wasn't released, but it's merely churning out the roster's basement. It'll be relatively inconsequential to the Commanders in the grand scheme of things. Even so, it'll be a devastating blow to Brooks' aspirations.
Things looked promising for Brooks over his opening few months in Washington. Sadly, it didn't last.
That's just the way things go sometimes.
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