Roster building isn’t easy. Cutdown day is a mixture of present and future needs, ignoring past ties and flat out gambling over regaining some players for the practice squad.
For the Washington Commanders, it was a little of everything. Veteran Tyler Larsen’s exit was sealed when rookie center Ricky Stromberg played well in camp. Stromberg also plays guard, which probably cost Mason Brooks a spot.
Washington is trying to steal an offensive lineman slot by using Stromberg in two places so the Commanders can keep an extra defensive lineman. With five ends not under contract next season, Washington kept late draft picks KJ Henry and Andre Jones, who might not have made the roster some years.
Washington carried three quarterbacks in past years. After all, it has started at least three each of the last five seasons. But, the Commanders cut third-stringer Jake Fromm, who joins the team’s endless list of preseason legends and crowd favorites after leading two late victories. Maybe Washington stashes Fromm on the practice squad thinking no one else will claim him off waivers. It’s a limited risk. If Fromm’s claimed, Washington can always find someone else.
Some of Washington’s cuts show the team’s roster improvement. Running back Jaret Patterson was released after gaining 266 yards in 2021. Free agent receiver Marcus Kemp would have made past seasons after a solid summer. Rookie returner Kazmeir Allen was undermined by the NFL’s new kickoff return rule that makes the position expendable. Returner now has to be a viable player elsewhere, too.
There really weren’t any surprises. This cutdown could have been the same after minicamp in June. The days of big-name veterans surprisingly released in final cuts are so 1980s. Teams figure out lineups in spring practices, then adjust to summer injuries and an occasional surprise free agent.
Washington’s overall roster is the strongest in years. Deep at receivers, defensive line, secondary and tight ends, while good enough at running back. Don’t be surprised to see tinkering at offensive line and linebacker. Quarterback? I guess Colt McCoy is available, but Jay Gruden doesn’t coach this team anymore.
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The 16-player practice squad reduces risk on cutting young players. A 17-game schedule takes a village and many of them will eventually replace injured players. The NFL has its own farm system, which is why not many spring league players cross over.
The question now is this: is this roster good enough to take advantage of a strong, but winnable schedule? Oddsmakers peg Washington at six victories. That seems light unless injuries rip through this team like recent years.
The Commanders have enough depth to soldier on – probably. If not, there will be plenty of new faces next year.
Follow Rick Snider on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks
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