Another Commanders veteran retires in training camp and Dan Quinn clearly isn’t happy with one position group
A second Commanders player retired from football this week during training camp and Dan Quinn made it clear he wants to see more competition at a certain position.
Earlier in the week, veteran Washington Commanders cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon retired from football. Now, veteran defensive lineman D.J. Davidson has decided to hang it up.
“I think it’s kind of just custom,” Dan Quinn told reporters when asked about the three Commanders veterans that have retired during the offseason. “You know, it’s good. I had you know conversations with all three guys and (they’re), like, [in] different places in their career and that kind of stuff. But all of them, you know, thought through (and talked to) people in their circle that they had to, you know, visit with. So, D.J., I certainly wish him the best for sure.”
Davidson was drafted by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and played out his rookie contract with the NFC East rival. The Commanders signed him during the spring to come in and compete on a deep defensive line.
Davidson’s retirement opens the door for Deatrich Wise to make the 53-man roster once he’s activated off PUP.
Dan Quinn isn’t pleased with the depth on the offensive line
Quinn promised this would be the most competitive camp he’s held as Commanders head coach and he’s followed through with that, so far.
It became even more evident on Saturday when the Commanders added not one, not two, but three offensive linemen to the roster. Adam Peters brought in C Daniel Brunskill, T Nicholas Petit-Frere, and G Max Scharping to help bolster the competition.
In return, the Commanders released WR Chris Hilton Jr. and G Timothy McKay.
“We actually wanted to see if we could raise up the competition level, you know, in that back group to see who could go,” said Quinn. “It was not injury-related, it was more just, hey man, let’s let’s battle this thing out, see where we can go, and it just like, more emphasis onto that. I would say.”
It’s an interesting trio of players, as all three guys have been starters at some point in there careers. In fact, they combine for 132 starts across the board.
Brunskill is a very versatile offensive lineman who was played just about every position during his NFL career. He started off as a tackle before getting moved inside where he’s bounced between guard and center. Petit-Frere is a former third-round pick who plays tackle and the Scharping has moved back and forth between both guard positions.
In other words: The tide just rose at every depth spot on the offensive line.
It’s going to be intriguing to see how the new pieces fit and if any of them make the 53-man roster at the end of the month.
