Photo by John McDonnell/For The Washington Post via Getty Images
ASHBURN, VA - June 11: Washington Commanders players run through a gauntlet to start day two of mini camp in Ashburn, VA on June 11, 2025. (Photo by John McDonnell/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The Washington Commanders made their biggest round of roster moves today as the NFL’s 4 pm deadline for final cuts arrived. The team placed starting guard Sam Cosmi on the Reserve Physically Unable to Perform List, a move that ensures he will miss at least the first four games of the season. In addition, the Commanders released a large group of players, trimming their roster down to the league-mandated 53-man limit.
This wave of moves brings clarity to the roster while also raising questions about depth, health, and the team’s long-term plans. For head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters, the day was about making tough decisions to balance experience, youth, and positional needs as Washington prepares for the 2025 season.
Cosmi’s Injury and Its Impact on the Offensive Line
The most notable transaction of the day involved Sam Cosmi, who has been one of Washington’s most dependable offensive linemen in recent years. By moving him to the PUP list, the Commanders will be without their starting guard for at least the first month of the season. Cosmi’s absence was expected and his possible return after a month on PUP is a win-win situation for the Commanders. Look for the team to either go with veteran Andrew Wylie, Nick Allegretti, or Trent Scott to fill the void at right guard until Cosmi returns.
Commanders Trim Roster with Veteran and Rookie Cuts
Alongside the Cosmi news, Washington announced the release of 30 players. The list includes veterans and young hopefuls alike, showing just how competitive the roster battles were during camp and preseason.
Among the released names were wide receivers K.J. Osborn, Chris Moore, River Cracraft, Jacoby Jones, Ja’Corey Brooks, and Tay Martin. Their departures show confidence in the receiver room that the team only has five on the current roster. The room led by the return of Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin has Deebo Samuel, Jaylin Lane, Noah Brown, and Luke McCaffrey.
Defensively, the Commanders parted ways with players like Duke Riley, Antonio Hamilton Sr., Carl Davis, Sheldon Day, Jalyn Holmes, Andre Jones Jr., and Clelin Ferrell. While several of these veterans provided experience and depth, the final roster reflects Quinn’s preference for speed, versatility, and upside across his defensive schemes.
On offense, the cuts also included running backs Kazmeir Allen and Demetric Felton, tight ends Lawrence Cager and Cole Turner, and quarterback Sam Hartman. The decision to move on from Hartman means the Commanders will go forward with a veteran heavy quarterback room centered around Jayden Daniels, veteran support, and developmental depth on the practice squad.
In the trenches, Washington also released center Michael Deiter and tackles Bobby Hart and Foster Sarell, creating opportunities for other linemen to secure key rotational roles. Safeties Rob McDaniel, Ben Nikkel, Car’lin Vigers, and Daryl Worley also did not make the final roster, signaling the team’s confidence in its top group of defensive backs.
These moves bring the Commanders to their final 53-man roster, a group designed to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term development. While losing veterans like Osborn and Riley will surprise some fans, the organization clearly values giving its younger core the chance to grow with Daniels.
Now that the roster is in doesn’t necessarily mean it’s set. The team can still add players released from other teams or make trades to still enhance the final roster.
For now, though, the focus shifts to Week 1 and the beginning of a season filled with anticipation. For Quinn and Peters, today’s tough calls were necessary to put the Commanders in the best position to succeed, both now and in the future.