Preparations for the 2025 campaign are about to gather pace. Phase Three of the Washington Commanders' offseason program gets underway next week, with organized team activities representing another chance for players across the board to stake a claim.
Adam Peters worked hard to mold a roster capable of mounting another deep postseason run in 2025. The Commanders have placed a lot of faith in veteran players with proven production. Their young core will help, but Washington is betting on experience to win the day once again.
That was a recipe for success last time around. Peters increased competition for places, which should make everyone better. The stakes are higher for some, so hitting the ground running when things get more intense is crucial.
Peters will be keeping a close eye on developments. If the coaching staff isn't suitably impressed, the front-office leader could take decisive action. That sounds drastic, but the Commanders have no room for passengers in their quest to dethrone the Philadelphia Eagles.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who could vanish from the 2025 roster if they don't deliver at OTAs.
Commanders who could vanish from the roster if they don’t deliver at OTAs
Michael Wiley - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders' running back room didn't get much attention from general manager Adam Peters this offseason. He kept faith with the options available. Only seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a new addition, which represents a huge vote of confidence in those who contributed during the previous campaign.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will lead the charge. Jeremy McNichols could be the No. 3 option if Croskey-Merritt takes a little longer to impose himself. Chris Rodriguez Jr. was re-signed this offseason, but whether he can force his way into the team's plans remains to be seen.
That's five running backs ahead of Michael Wiley currently. The former Arizona standout shone during the preseason last year but didn't do enough to make the 53-man roster. He stayed around on the practice squad and got a reserve/futures deal when the 2024 campaign concluded. Even so, he faces a monumental fight to alter perceptions.
Unless Wiley capitalizes on every carry coming his way over Phase Three of OTAs, the Commanders could let Wiley take his chances elsewhere. Even if he sticks around for the summer, the chance of him surging into roster consideration appears remote.