Commanders edge toward Tuesday’s 4 p.m. 53-man roster deadline with tough choices ahead
The stretch between now and Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline to submit the initial 53-man roster will test the Washington Commanders at every level. General Manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn must move quickly and decisively, aiming to avoid cutting a potential impact player while simultaneously sifting through league-wide cuts to fill remaining needs.
We spoke with Dan Quinn as the team wrapped up its preseason slate, and he acknowledged the difficulty of the moment. “This is a challenging time for us,” he said. “You have to make difficult decisions, but we’ve been meeting a lot leading up until now.”
In a quiet corner of the locker room after the weekend’s preseason finale, cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. weighed what the next few days might bring. A nine-year veteran who joined Washington in mid-August, Hamilton has earned praise from Quinn for his physical style and quick grasp of the system. Yet, like many veterans on the roster bubble, his future remains uncertain. “My family is here, and I’m going to love on them,” Hamilton said. “I was praying for an opportunity, because it’s been quiet this offseason. If you’re not in the limelight, you don’t have the big name or the same opportunities, but I’ve put my best foot forward.”
In their first round of cuts Monday afternoon, the Commanders announced they were releasing cornerback Essang Bassey, wide receiver Michael Gallup, center Nick Harris, offensive lineman Tyre Phillips, defensive tackle Norell Pollard and wide receiver Braylon Sanders.
Projection: an initial 53-man roster, with the understanding this is fluid and could be reshuffled as cuts and practice-squad moves unfold
Offensive line (9)
– Nick Allegretti, Brandon Coleman, Laremy Tunsil, Tyler Biadasz, Andrew Wylie, Josh Conerly Jr., Michael Deiter, Chris Paul, George Fant
Notes: Sam Cosmi is expected to begin on the physically unable to perform list while he continues to recover from a knee injury. The team had signed Nick Harris late in camp as a potential competitor for Deiter, but Harris was released Monday.
Defensive line (8)
– Javon Kinlaw, Daron Payne, Jer’Zhan Newton, Deatrich Wise Jr., Dorance Armstrong, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Jalyn Holmes, Jacob Martin
Notes: Veterans Carl Davis, Sheldon Day and Eddie Goldman could still push for spots, but the club might prefer keeping either one or a combination for the practice squad.
Linebacker (6)
– Von Miller, Bobby Wagner, Jordan Magee, Frankie Luvu, Kain Medrano, Nick Bellore
Notes: Undrafted rookie Ale Kaho had a strong finish in the preseason, but Medrano’s draft status and special-teams value could keep him ahead. Duke Riley could wind up on the practice squad and be elevated to play on game days.
Wide receiver (6)
– Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Jaylin Lane, Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, K.J. Osborn
Notes: Veteran Chris Moore previously spent time on the practice squad and could return there. Michael Gallup’s release removes a veteran option from consideration for a 53-man role.
Cornerback (5)
– Trey Amos, Marshon Lattimore, Noah Igbinoghene, Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones
Notes: Quinn has shown a clear affinity for Hamilton, who could surface on the practice squad and be elevated for special-teams work on game days.
Safety (5)
– Quan Martin, Will Harris, Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler, Tyler Owens
Notes: Washington’s safeties group features depth for special teams with Reaves and Butler.
Running back (4)
– Chris Rodriguez Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols
Notes: The selection was already narrowed after Washington traded Brian Robinson Jr.; Felton and Kazmeir Allen could be vying for spots elsewhere.
Tight end (4)
– John Bates, Zach Ertz, Colson Yankoff, Ben Sinnott
Notes: The team views its depth at tight end as a strength, with candidates like Lawrence Cager and Cole Turner potentially landing on the practice squad.
Quarterback (3)
– Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Josh Johnson
Notes: The Commanders could keep two signal-callers and try to stash Johnson on the practice squad, though that would be risky with Mariota dealing with a left Achilles issue. Jeff Driskel remains available as a free agent.
Specialists (3)
– Tyler Ott, Matt Gay, Tress Way
What comes next
With the initial 53-man limit in play, Washington is preparing for a late surge of roster moves, including possible additions to the practice squad and potential elevations on game days. The emphasis will be on preserving depth at key spots while exposing players to waivers who could help other teams or land on Washington’s practice squad. The bottom of the roster often shifts quickly in the hours after the initial cuts, and the Commanders are expected to be active in retooling their 90-man offseason group.
A word on approach and outlook
The Commanders’ approach this year appears to blend a respect for veterans who can contribute on special teams with a willingness to develop younger players who fit the system. The goal is to create a roster that can adapt to injuries and diverse game plans while keeping several flexible options on the practice squad. If some of the higher-profile names don’t secure a 53-man spot, they may still provide value on the practice squad or as injury replacements during the season.
In short, Washington faces a tense, decision-heavy window as the league-wide cut process unfolds. The next 24 to 48 hours will determine which players will carry the team’s hopes into Week 1 and which will explore opportunities elsewhere, all while keeping a watchful eye on the practice squad market and the inevitable late changes that come with the NFL’s roster rules. Opportunities remain for players like Hamilton to carve out a role, and for others to emerge as special-teams standouts or depth pieces on a growing, versatile command roster.