Van Jefferson Jr. - Commanders WR
There remains speculation around the Washington Commanders potentially adding to their wide receiver corps in the not-too-distant future. Brandon Aiyuk is the hot name, while Stefon Diggs is also generating momentum after outlining his intrigue about a potential homecoming.
The Commanders have Terry McLaurin. Aside from that, there isn't much proven production, so Washington would be relying on one of their young players breaking out if Adam Peters opts to stand pat.
Any new arrivals aren't going to make it any easier for Van Jefferson Jr. to make the team. He signed a one-year deal this offseason, but there are no guarantees regarding his roster spot. While he has more experience than others, it could still go either way.
Jefferson has been a dependable pass-catching option throughout his career. The steady decline since his 2021 breakout with the Los Angeles Rams is concerning, so a big effort will be needed over the summer.
Ale Kaho - Commanders LB
Strengthening the linebacking corps was a high priority for Adam Peters. Bobby Wagner is gone and unlikely to return. There was a desperate need to get younger and more dynamic, and the front-office leader achieved this objective.
The Commanders signed Leo Chenal in free agency. They drafted Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall. Frankie Luvu is switching back to the defensive second level, and the coaching staff remains high on Jordan Magee's outlook. That's a formidable quartet, but it'll be interesting to see who makes the team behind them.
Nick Bellore's leadership and special-teams prowess are difficult to overlook. The Commanders need more from Kain Medrano in Year 2, and Ale Kaho is another who'll have to prove himself all over again.
Kaho made the squad as an undrafted free agent last season. He flashed promise when called upon, but that doesn't mean much now. And after a busy offseason, he is lower down the depth chart than ever.
Tyler Owens - Commanders S
The Commanders didn't make many changes to their safety options this offseason. Nick Cross was acquired in free agency, but there is clearly a level of confidence in those currently around on the defensive back end.
They still have to prove it, and fierce competition will continue throughout the summer. Everyone starts with a clean slate, and everything must be earned. But even with Cross's arrival, that means one less spot for someone else.
Cross, Will Harris, and Quan Martin are probably going to make it. The same goes for Jeremy Reaves, who signed another one-year extension ahead of time this offseason. Much will depend on how many safeties the Commanders take through, but it could be a fight between Tyler Owens and Percy Butler for the final spot.
Butler is more experienced and has special teams value. Owens has all the physical tools, but it simply hasn't come together over his first two years in Washington.
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