Increasing competition was a core component of the Washington Commanders' offseason strategy in 2025. Adam Peters retained a lot of his free agents who gave so much to the cause last time around. But the plethora of new additions raise the stakes considerably.
Peters knew what he had to do when the recruitment period commenced. The Commanders reached the final four during a sensational first campaign under head coach Dan Quinn. They found their franchise quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. This perennial struggler was ready to contend, and the general manager pivoted accordingly.
His mindset was more aggressive. Peters had faith in his current group, but that didn't stop the front-office leader from striking with conviction when opportunities arose. There was an onus on surrounding Jayden Daniels with an enhanced supporting cast. Things are looking up, but not everybody will come along for the ride.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders cuts that seem inevitable before the 2025 campaign arrives.
Commanders cuts that feel inevitable before the 2025 season
Sheldon Day - Commanders DL
Adam Peters needed to bolster the trenches on both sides of the football. He saw the Philadelphia Eagles build their Super Bowl success on their offensive and defensive lines. Molding a contender from the inside out has proven incredibly fruitful throughout NFL history. The Washington Commanders needed to follow suit.
Jonathan Allen's release only increased the urgency around the defensive line interior. The Commanders signed Javon Kinlaw in free agency, which should help considerably. Eddie Goldman is a stout run-stopping presence, but he's something of an unknown quantity after missing a lot of football in recent years.
Daron Payne and Johnny Newton should both improve. Jayln Holmes flashed promise in 2024 when called upon and got a new one-year deal for his efforts. The same goes for Sheldon Day, who played 34 percent of Washington's defensive snaps last season when all hope seemed lost.
Day's production was solid if not spectacular. He offers almost nothing from a pass-rushing standpoint. His inconsistencies against the run were more surprising, so a big effort is needed to establish himself all over again throughout the summer.
The defensive line dynamic will be something fans should monitor closely as preparations for the upcoming campaign gather pace. Day has scheme familiarity on his side, but his situation remains precarious. If he cannot shine over Holmes and Goldman, there's a good chance he'll go onto the practice squad or be removed from the equation entirely.