The Washington Commanders will turn things up a notch at training camp, which is followed by preseason games, as they look to finalize a 53-man roster capable of being more competitive. But after a busy offseason on the recruitment front from general manager Adam Peters, almost everyone should be on edge.
Good players won't make it. That is a nice problem to have for Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, but it does nothing to diminish the uncertainty for some. And for one offseason pickup, he could eventually become the sort of player that other teams will be keeping a close eye on.
When the Commanders signed wide receiver Van Jefferson Jr. in free agency, it was seen as a possible camp body who could sneak onto the 53-man roster. But the concerns at wideout and the veteran's strong start over Washington's offseason program bolstered his chances for more.
Van Jefferson Jr. still faces a fight to secure his Commanders' future
It remains a delicate situation, but Jefferson has more experience and production in competitive settings than anyone other than Terry McLaurin.
Unless Peters decides to bring in another veteran wideout, the dynamic shifts again. There is also an eagerness to rely more on the young breakout hopefuls such as Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, third-round rookie Antonio Williams, and Treylon Burks. One could add the returning Dyami Brown in there, too, especially after learning some harsh lessons during his disappointing season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
All of those are unknown quantities. Jefferson is no sure thing either, but dependability is in short supply until proven otherwise.
If the fledgling pass-catchers all make encouraging progress this summer, Jefferson could be on the outside looking in. That is getting less likely, but if there are signs that he might not make the team, perhaps Peters can try to get a pick swap or late Day 3 selection via trade.
It's something to think about, but if no offer arrives and Jefferson doesn't make it, he probably wouldn't be out of work for long.
The Commanders need all the help they can get. Things are teetering on the brink, but there is still hope. Just where Jefferson fits into those plans remains to be seen. Still, it would be a big call to remove him from the equation if others don't meet their end of the bargain.
Jefferson hasn't come just to make up the numbers or go through the motions. He wants to make the team. He wants his fair share of targets on the offensive rotation. And he wants to make a difference for an offense crying out for inspiration.
If the Commanders don't believe he is up to the challenge, someone else sure will.
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