Commanders’ 2025 Initial 53-man Roster: Undrafted rookie earns a roster spot, and the team will look to add another WR
The Commanders’ initial 53-man roster.
The Washington Commanders have made some tough decisions by cutting the roster down to 53 players, so it’s time to take a look to see how things shaped out and if your favorite players made the cut.
This is just the initial roster, and other moves can be made, including building out the practice squad, and I’ll keep you updated on that as well.
Quarterback (3)
IN: Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Josh Johnson
The skinny: The Commanders waived Sam Hartman, and seem to likely bring him back to the practice squad, but adding another young QB would be a better move to become the future backup, in my opinion. Jayden Daniels goes into year two with an MVP award as a real possibility, and leading the team back to the NFC Championship game will help with that.
Running Back (4)
IN: Chris Rodriguez Jr, Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, Bill Croskey-Merritt*
The skinny: The Commanders traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers, and the pressure is on for the rest of the RB room remaining. This is a turning of a new page in Washington, and it’ll be interesting to see how they decide to run the ball this season. It could very well be by a committee and not solely on one player. Will Bill Croskey-Merritt continue his hype and take over as RB1?
Wide Receiver (5)
IN: Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane*,
The skinny: Getting Terry McLaurin back obviously helps a ton, but the team will be leaning on a lot of youth in the depth after releasing a lot of veteran options. Adding Deebo Samuel will boost the offense in a lot of ways. Undrafted rookie Ja’Corey Brooks didn’t make the cut, and the Commanders only kept five WRs, meaning they will add another.
Tight End (4)
IN: Zach Ertz, John Bates, Ben Sinnott, Colson Yankoff
The skinny: The connection between Zach Ertz and Daniels will be just as strong as it was last year, and we’ve already seen how important John Bates will be in the blocking game. We will see what kind of role and usage Ben Sinnott has going into his second season on the Commanders’ offense. Colson Yankoff makes the team after an impressive offseason.
Offensive Line (9)
IN: Laremy Tunsil (LT), Brandon Coleman (LG), Tyler Biadasz (C), Josh Conerly Jr. (RT), Nick Allegretti, Andrew Wylie, Trent Scott, Chris Paul, George Fant.
The skinny: The Commanders added veteran tackle George Fant, who made the team, and the offensive line is much improved from last season. Adding Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. as the offensive tackles to help protect Daniels allows for the interior to be improved as well, with Brandon Coleman moving inside. Sam Cosmi is starting the season on the Reserve/PUP List, meaning he is out for the first four games.
Defensive Line (8)
IN: Dorance Armstrong (DE), Daron Payne (DT), Javon Kinlaw (DT), Deatrich Wise (DE), Jer’Zhan Newton, Eddie Goldman, Jacob Martin, Javontae Jean-Baptiste
The skinny: Clelin Ferrell was a surprise cut for me, but the Commanders did load up on the defensive line, and Jacob Martin will be a surprise standout this season. The Commanders need to stop the run better than they did last year, and adding Deatrich Wise on the edge will help with that. This unit overall got a quiet upgrade, but I think people will be surprised by how good it turns out to be.
Linebacker (7)
IN: Bobby Wagner (MLB), Frankie Luvu (SAM), Von Miller, Nick Bellore, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano*, Ale Kaho**
The skinny: Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner are arguably the top LB duo in the league, but the falloff behind this is large. Jordan Magee has to stay healthy this season and develop into the next guy, or the Commanders need to address the position again in the offseason. It’ll be interesting to see rookie Kain Medrano’s impact and usage in year one. Von Miller coming off the edge will help a ton as well. Ale Kaho impressed this offseason and rightfully earned a roster spot.
Cornerback (5)
IN: Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos*, Jonathan Jones, Noah Igbinoghene
The skinny: The corner room is a deep room for the Commanders, and reports are that the team has been listening to offers for Noah Igbinoghene, so the room might shake up even more. Regardless, this is the best starting trio the team has had in a long time, and they have quality depth as well. Trey Amos has all the potential to be an impactful day-one starter in the league, and Marshon Lattimore being healthy for the whole season is an x-factor for the defense.
Safety (5)
IN: Quan Martin, Will Harris, Percy Butler, Jeremy Reaves, Tyler Owens
The skinny: Quan Martin is poised to be a league-wide name this season, and he’s going to need the rest of the safety room to step up. A lot of pressure falls on Will Harris, and Jeremy Reaves will have a bigger role on defense this season as well. Tyler Owens and Percy Butler are great special teams players as well.
Specialists (3)
IN: Matt Gay (K), Tress Way (P), Tyler Ott (LS)
OUT: N/A
The skinny: Matt Gay has not been good during the preseason, and it’ll be interesting to see if the team makes any changes at kicker with a lot of options being available after roster cuts. Gay has yet to live up to his fully- guaranteed contract.
The Commanders have their initial 53-man roster, and there is still time to make some moves if the team feels like it can upgrade a position via the waiver or through available free agents. Adam Peters has made late moves and signings in the past, so it wouldn’t surprise me one bit.
Washington Commanders News
The WR market is full of quality options after roster cuts around the league, and the Commanders can take advantage of it
Adam Peters will have these players on his radar.
