Nobody expected the Washington Commanders to be in this position. There were questions about whether their miraculous run in 2024 could be sustained, but very few projected such a dramatic drop-off in the second season under head coach Dan Quinn.
Injuries haven't helped, but something feels off. Quinn is trying hard to hold on to the culture he worked so hard to establish. He's treading water right now, but he's made no secret of his desire to implement significant changes during the Week 12 bye.
These alterations have already begun. Quinn is assuming defensive play-calling responsibilities from coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. after a disastrous run. Whether this provides the spark needed to improve remains to be seen, but the respected leader couldn't let things carry on as they were.
Fans are eager to see what comes next. They are desperate for changes — both to the scheme and personnel — during Washington's extended rest period. If the Commanders can make the necessary adjustments and some key players return from injury, they won't be an easy out down the stretch.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players on their chopping block before some massive bye week changes potentially arrive.
Commanders players on the chopping block before massive bye week changes
Von Miller - Commanders DE/OLB
The Commanders gave Von Miller a shot to possibly win one more Super Bowl at the tail-end of his career. The veteran edge rusher has a one-way ticket to the Pro Football Hall of Fame at the first time of asking, and he believed Washington — and their superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels — could help him go out on a high note.
To say that hasn't materialized would be an understatement. Miller's been a rotational edge force with four sacks, but he's part of a slow, old defense that is being exposed at will by opposing offenses. That's the bottom line, and Dan Quinn might not be able to turn the tide when it's all said and done.
Miller has indicated a desire to keep playing beyond 2025. He also stated that he would like to remain with the Commanders, but that seems unlikely. Adam Peters has to get younger and more explosive options for the defensive edge, and the former Texas A&M sensation is neither at this late stage of his NFL career.
Washington doesn't have much choice but to keep playing Miller right now. But with their playoff hopes gone, it might be time to start planning for the future, whatever that looks like.