Things are starting to become clearer for the Washington Commanders. Training camp is in full swing, and the first preseason game against the New England Patriots is on the immediate horizon. The regular season is fast approaching, which means time is running out for those looking to stick around.
The Commanders have lofty expectations on their shoulders this season. Getting to the NFC Championship game was a magnificent early accomplishment in Year 1 under head coach Dan Quinn. Making sure this becomes the start of a profitable era for the organization is a far more difficult proposition.
Adam Peters worked hard to strengthen the team this offseason. There is one major problem to resolve, with wide receiver Terry McLaurin still not practicing after handing in a trade request. He wants a new deal, and the Commanders don't want to pay north of $30 million per season. Although it's become a distraction, this roster is professional enough to remain focused on the task at hand.
Players have done everything in their power to make their presence felt. The Commanders are watching closely, and Peters won't hesitate to seek assistance from elsewhere if he believes it can help their playoff push. It's a fine line for some, so nothing but high-level consistency will do.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five Commanders players who are already tumbling down the depth chart.
Commanders players already tumbling down the depth chart at training camp
Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE
The Washington Commanders still have some concerns around their ability to create pressure heading into the campaign. Signing future Pro Football Hall of Fame edge rusher Von Miller will help, but by how much at this late stage of his playing career remains to be seen.
Miller is listed as the starting outside linebacker on Washington's unofficial depth chart, which is the role occupied by Dante Fowler Jr. in 2024 before he departed for the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. He can line up as a defensive end when called upon, but Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Deatrich Wise Jr. should lead the way in 2025.
It gets murkier after that. Jalyn Holmes has impressed at training camp. The same goes for Javontae Jean-Baptiste, who's flashed tremendous promise as he looks for more involvement in Year 2 of his professional career.
That leaves Clelin Ferrell facing uncertainty. The former Clemson standout got a new one-year deal this offseason and should make the squad. But if he's hoping for the rep allocation he was given last season, the defensive end might be out of luck.