Commanders’ Week 18 finale against the Eagles could be the last game for several key players in Washington
The Commanders could have several players putting on the uniform for the last time in their Week 18 finale against the Eagles.
The Washington Commanders have one last matchup before heading into the offseason, and a lot of changes are expected to take place.
This might seem like a pointless Week 18 game with the Philadelphia Eagles resting starters and the Commanders dealing with injuries, but it could be the last game in a Washington jersey for several players.
Here’s a look at players who are at risk of playing their last game as a Commander.
LB Bobby Wagner
It’s been an amazing career for Bobby Wagner, and he’s still a great tackler, but he just can’t move in space like he used to, and it’s time to hang it up. He has a load of opportunities off the field that he’s already managing, and he will succeed off the field as much as he did on the field. The Commanders’ defense needs to get younger, faster, and cannot afford liabilities on the field next year. Jordan Magee looks to be one of the starters next season, and the Commanders will have plenty of opportunities to upgrade even more this offseason.
DT Daron Payne
Daron Payne still has one year left on his contract, but he’s the team’s largest salary cap hit next season at $28 million, and the pay is not worth the results they’re getting on the field. The Commanders can save $16.8 million if they decide to trade or release Payne, and that’s enough to sign two above-average starters in free agency. Payne has been on the team since 2018, and his time should be coming to an end. The defense needs an upgrade across the entire defensive line, and paying Payne shouldn’t be a move you make just to have one less hole to fill. You upgrade and replace at every possible position.
WR Deebo Samuel
General manager Adam Peters has a decision to make with Deebo Samuel as well, after trading a fifth-round pick for him last offseason. He’s had a solid season after having to fill in for all the injuries in the wide receiver room, but should he come back? I think it’s worth it if they set the expectation that it’ll be a very cheap deal, and that the team will continue to look elsewhere to upgrade the position. If he’s cool with that, then awesome, but if he wants to be a WR2, then he might need to find another team to sign with as a free agent. The Commanders need a younger WR2 with higher upside that can stretch the field, and potentially take over as the future WR1 in 2027.
OLB Von Miller
Von Miller signed with the Commanders with hopes of a Super Bowl run, but got the complete opposite. Miller has already stated that he wants to return, but is it worth it as just a pass rusher? The Commanders will obviously upgrade the position, and they will have to decide who to keep between Miller, Jacob Martin, and Drake Jackson while adding new players. I’d prefer Martin, who has been productive, and other options, but if the price is right, then I’m open to it.
RB Jeremy McNichols
Jeremy McNichols has been clutch this season, especially when Austin Ekeler went down for the season. The Commanders need to re-sign Chris Rodriguez or McNichols, and I lean towards Rodriguez. They will also have plenty of opportunities to get a legit RB1 this offseason in a loaded free agency group, or with Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft. The offense needs as much help as possible, and I wouldn’t turn down Kenneth Walker III, Rachaad White, or Breece Hall this offseason just because Bill Croskey-Merritt has been really good.
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