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The Washington Commanders’ 53-man roster is set. It will change, of course, as it’s the initial 53-man roster. Changes could come as soon as Wednesday when waiver claims are granted.
But, for now, we’ll focus on the first 53-man roster of the 2025 season for the Washington Commanders. Here are six quick takeaways from Tuesday’s NFL cutdown day.
3 quarterbacks
We aren’t sure if this is a surprise. The Commanders kept three quarterbacks last season, too. Last year, it was Jeff Driskel; this time, it’s 39-year-old Josh Johnson, who will serve as Washington’s No. 3 quarterback behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota.
Should Washington have kept three quarterbacks? Based on how Sam Hartman and Johnson played in the preseason, the Commanders should’ve used the roster spot on another position. After all, they could probably keep Hartman and Johnson on the practice squad. What this tells us is that Washington wants to ensure Mariota’s Achilles is 100% before letting a serviceable veteran like Johnson go.
No backup center
For now, Nick Allegretti is Washington’s backup center. Allegretti started at guard last season and is expected to serve as the primary interior reserve in 2025. He’s played center before, but didn’t look totally comfortable there during the summer. If Tyler Biadasz goes down, Washington is in trouble anyway. Allegretti can hold down the fort at center, but it wouldn’t be ideal.
Don’t be surprised if the Commanders scour other teams’ cuts, looking for an experienced center to sign to the active roster or the practice squad. Michael Deiter held the role last season and struggled. He didn’t have a great summer and was among the final cuts in Washington. Deiter is a candidate to rejoin the practice squad.
Andrew Wylie is more of a guard
Veteran Andrew Wylie has played four positions in training camp. The only position he hasn’t played is center. Wylie started at right tackle the past two years, but the Commanders added Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. at tackle. Wylie was competing with Conerly at right tackle early in camp, but the rookie appears poised to take the starting spot in Week 1.
With Sam Cosmi on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to begin the season, Wylie could start in his place at right guard. That feels more like Allegretti’s spot, but Wylie can play there, too. Wylie’s flexibility is a valuable asset. Last week’s signing of veteran tackle George Fant likely meant Wylie was slated to fill in at guard this season. In addition to Tunsil, Conerly and Fant, the Commanders also kept veteran offensive tackle Trent Scott. Scott has been with Washington for the last two seasons. With Fant and Scott on the roster, it sounds like Washington plans to use Wylie more inside.
Commanders will add a receiver
Washington only kept five wide receivers. That was the right move. None of the other receivers in camp earned a spot on the 53-man roster. Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, Noah Brown, Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey are the receivers. That means GM Adam Peters will look hard at the receivers cut on Tuesday.
The Commanders could also look to trade for a wideout. Undrafted rookie Ja’Corey Brooks, unless claimed, appears headed for the practice squad. Don’t be surprised if Washington places a claim on a wide receiver on Wednesday. Noah Brown’s injury history is worrisome, and he’s being relied upon as the No. 3 receiver. Lane and McCaffrey are unproven right now.
Noah Igbinoghene stays
Who was shocked when it was reported that Washington was listening to offers for cornerback Noah Igbinoghene? No, Igbinoghene isn’t a star, but he’s still young (25), has revived his career with the Commanders, and has inside/outside versatility. Igbinoghene had a tremendous training camp and gives Washington an insurance policy in case Marshon Lattimore misses time. Lattimore hasn’t played a full season since 2018. He only missed one game in 2021.
The Commanders love rookie Trey Amos. He was one of the training camp stars. He’s still a rookie. It’s best to wait things out. Sure, Washington could use the extra draft picks to recoup some of what it’s lost, but trading a quality player like Igbinoghene when you have championship aspirations would not be a good move.
Chris Rodriguez’s redemption
Did anyone believe running back Chris Rodriguez would make Washington’s 53-man roster when training camp began? If you watch ball, you’d know that Rodriguez can play. Every time his number was called, he delivered. Yet, he didn’t make the 53-man roster out of camp last summer and spent the season between the main roster and the practice squad. This offseason, Rodriguez reshaped his body and became faster—all the while maintaining his elite vision and power running style.
While rookie Bill Croskey-Merritt receives the hype, it was Rodriguez who ultimately pushed Brian Robinson Jr. off the roster. Rodriguez proved he could be the runner for short-yardage, the goal line, and the player to trust late in the game while protecting a lead. Rodriguez earned his spot the good-old-fashioned way.
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