The Washington Commanders have decided to release defensive end Jamin Davis, marking another instance of the team parting ways with a former first-round pick. Davis, drafted 19th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, initially played as a linebacker for three seasons.
This offseason, under new head coach Dan Quinn, Davis switched to defensive end. His departure makes him the fifth first-round selection since 2019 to leave the organization, reflecting the Commanders’ ongoing struggles with retaining their top draft choices.
Davis’s release follows a broader trend involving former first-round picks. The Commanders traded their 2022 first-rounder, wide receiver Jahan Dotson, to the Philadelphia Eagles in August. Last season, they also traded defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat, both selected in 2019, to the San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Bears, respectively. Quarterback Dwayne Haskins, drafted in 2019, was cut in 2020. These moves underscore the team’s difficulties in holding onto its recent draft selections.
In his time with the team, Davis started 36 games as a linebacker, tallying 7 sacks, 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles. This season, his contributions were minimal as a backup in five games, recording 12 tackles and no sacks.
The return of defensive end Efe Obada reduced the need for Davis, as the Commanders already had depth at the position with Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell, and Dante Fowler Jr. This roster change allowed room for linebacker Jordan Magee, who was activated after recovering from injury.
Additionally, the team is dealing with off-field challenges, including a six-game suspension for practice squad cornerback Kevon Seymour due to a violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy.
As the Commanders continue to retool their roster, these changes reflect an effort to correct past drafting mistakes and improve the team’s performance this season.
