Adam Peters wasted little time improving the Washington Commanders’ roster this offseason. The general manager maximized every resource and made aggressive moves while keeping future financial flexibility in mind. This strategy proved successful throughout his first recruitment period. He’s hoping for the same again.

The Commanders can go on another deep playoff run in 2025. Last season’s accomplishments were nothing short of remarkable. Peters’ acquisitions and re-signings in recent weeks suggest he’s confident this group can flourish further in Year 2 of head coach Dan Quinn’s tenure.

There’s the 2025 NFL Draft to navigate before attention turns to preparations. Peters only has five selections, which he’d like to increase by moving back at some stage. If not, the Commanders will fill holes from the remaining veteran pool and undrafted free agency.

Peters wanted to keep standards high and raise competition across the board. Finding the players capable of fitting into Wasington’s new locker room culture shift was essential. The Commanders did that effectively through proven performers — many of whom have already reached the top and have the glittering accomplishments (and rings) to show for it.

A fascinating summer awaits. Players will be jockeying for starting spots, key places on the rotation, and their positions on the roster or practice squad. And make no mistake, anyone not pulling their weight or meeting expectations won’t last long.

With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who (maybe) won’t make the 53-man roster in 2025.

Commanders players who won’t make the 53-man roster in 2025

Zane Gonzalez – Commanders PK

This might be an odd one to start with considering Zane Gonzalez is the only active kicker on the Washington Commanders’ roster right now. However, the veteran should expect some competition for the No. 1 job to arrive at some stage.

The Commanders re-signed Gonzalez to a one-year deal just before the legal tampering window opened. He performed well when thrown into the fire after Austin Seibert’s unfortunate injury. He deserves to fight for his place, but it shouldn’t come with an unchallenged walk into the position.

Gonzalez doesn’t have the biggest leg. He made 71.4 percent of his regular-season field goals, which increased to 87.5% in the playoffs. But there were signs of nerves in big moments that cannot be overlooked by the front office during their assessments.

Whether it’s bringing Seibert back, adding another veteran from the available options, or someone from the college ranks via the draft or undrafted free agency, the Commanders need a genuine kicking competition throughout the summer.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. – Commanders RB

The Washington Commanders stood pat at the running back position this offseason. This was a vote of confidence in the options available despite the obvious regression as the campaign wore on. However, general manager Adam Peters could have his sights set on one of the gifted prospects from a deep draft class.

Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are the starting tandem right now. Both are heading into the final year of the respective deals, which should provide the urgency needed to improve. The Commanders also re-signed Jeremy McNichols, who’ll be a rotational piece without any guarantees of making the 53-man roster, depending on what other reinforcements arrive.

The same goes for Chris Rodriguez Jr., who was given an exclusive rights tender to prevent him from speaking to other teams in free agency. This was well-received by the fanbase after the former sixth-round selection flashed promise when called upon in 2024.

Rodriguez displayed power as a runner and improved contact balance. There was aggression and explosiveness — something that probably warranted a prolonged look when Robinson and Ekeler showed signs of struggle. The trust wasn’t completely there, but there was enough to give the Kentucky graduate another summer to develop under Kliff Kingsbury’s coaching staff.

Whether he can seize the moment or not is another matter.

Colson Yankoff – Commanders TE

As with the running back position, the Commanders held firm with their tight end options this offseason. That was the correct call to make given how well Washington’s options complimented each other.

Zach Ertz was rewarded for galvanizing his career with a one-year extension. He’ll be the No. 1 option in the passing game and the supreme leader in the room. John Bates also received a new, longer-term commitment to continue his work as a primary blocking option.

The jury is still out on 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott, who was used sparingly as a rookie but has plenty of promise attached. Washington also has Colson Yankoff, a surprising undrafted free-agent gem who caught the eye frequently over the summer en route to making the squad.

Yankoff featured six times for the Commanders, mostly on special teams, before going to injured reserve. He flashed promise on occasion, but the former UCLA standout will need to prove himself all over again if more competition arrives via the draft.

Last summer’s experience should serve him well. Yankoff has scheme familiarity and knows the coaching staff’s demands. That’s a positive working in his favor, but it’ll be interesting to see if the Commanders are happy with what they have or identify another promising youngster to mix things up.

Eddie Goldman – Commanders DL

The Washington Commanders made fortifying their trench options a big priority on both sides of the football this offseason. Adam Peters gave the offensive line a significant boost by trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, which represented a major statement of intent and should help quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels considerably.

Washington also added to the defensive line with several moves. Javon Kinlaw was the big splash to form a potentially productive starting trio alongside Daron Payne and Johnny Newton. Deatrich Wise Jr. provides experience and edge-setting against the run. Jacob Martin is the versatile piece capable of filling the void left by Dante Fowler Jr., who left for the Dallas Cowboys in free agency.

Peters also acquired Eddie Goldman. The interior force came out of retirement with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and was pretty solid considering how long he’d been away from the gridiron. With his hunger for football reinvigorated, the Commanders want to see if this can become something more.

Goldman sat out during the COVID-19 season. He came back in 2021 but retired immediately after. He should be relatively fresh compared to most 31-year-olds around the league, but the need to hit the ground running cannot be overstated.

The Commanders re-signed Sheldon Day and Jalyn Holmes after both flashed moments of excellence in 2024. If another defensive tackle comes in from an exceptionally deep draft class, Goldman’s predicament becomes increasingly precarious.

K.J. Osborn – Commanders WR

Adam Peters recognized the need to find another prolific wide receiver for quarterback Jayden Daniels. The general manager turned to his old employers, giving up a fifth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for Deebo Samuel Sr.

Samuel is versatile and explosive. He makes things happen with the football in his hands and represents the best partner Terry McLaurin’s ever had in the wideout room. The Commanders have hopes that Luke McCaffrey’s influence could improve after being used sparingly as a rookie. They also re-signed Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn to fill out the unit before the 2025 NFL Draft.

Not many thought Osborn would come back. The wide receiver came into the fold late in 2024 after Brown’s serious internal issue saw him go to injured reserve. The former Auburn star had big ambitions to fill the void, but it became apparent the Commanders wanted to sign him as an emergency option, but nothing more.

Osborn didn’t get much involvement, which was disappointing. However, the Commanders want to see if a full offseason within the scheme could see his influence increase before the 2025 campaign.

This was a major positive for Osborn, but nothing is set in stone. If the Commanders get the chance to add another decent performer from the college ranks, they shouldn’t hesitate.