Everyone wants to be a part of what's happening within the Washington Commanders. It's an ascending organization with high expectations for the future, with the correct culture in place. Players currently on the books will be striving with everything they have to remain part of the team's plans.
The Commanders didn't get complacent this offseason. Second-year general manager Adam Peters knew Washington's window to win another Super Bowl was open after decades in the proverbial wilderness. His aggressive approach and ruthless mentality came to the fore once again, which leaves the franchise in a much better place.
Dan Quinn's squad won't be a surprise package in 2025. They are among the postseason favorites and are being tipped as one of the few NFC teams that could topple the all-conquering Philadelphia Eagles. It's a different (and nicer) pressure. Handling it effectively is critical.
There is no room for underperformers. The Commanders are expecting everyone who makes the team to contribute. Anything less comes with potentially significant ramifications attached.
It'll be a captivating training camp this summer, which is sure to separate the strong from the weak. And here are five bubble players who might sneak onto the 53-man roster this summer.
Commanders bubble players who might just steal a roster spot at camp
Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR
Securing a place in the wide receiver room represents a difficult task for those on the fringes. But it's not impossible by any stretch of the imagination.
Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, and rookie fourth-rounder Jaylin Lane will all make the team. Michael Gallup, K.J. Osborn, and Chris Moore will also fancy their chances. Less is known about undrafted free agent Ja'Corey Brooks, but the Washington Commanders gave the wideout a big guarantee on his rookie deal to secure his services.
That means those in power see something in the gifted pass-catcher that others don't. Brooks looked like a potential star at Alabama once upon a time before injury struck. Although he restored his reputation last season with the Louisville Cardinals, it wasn't enough to hear his name called during the draft.
Brooks is a big-bodied receiver. He's a smooth route-runner with enough speed to stretch the field. The early impression he left on Washington's offseason program was encouraging. That counts for nothing if he cannot raise the stakes when training camp arrives.
The margin for error is incredibly slim. But even if Brooks doesn't make it, he's a strong candidate for the practice squad provided he clears waivers.