3 Commanders in danger of getting cut after 2026 minicamp

It looks like the Washington Commanders still have the eye of Brandon Aiyuk, and there’s the hope of Jayden Daniels improving. But there are also three Commanders in danger of getting cut after the team’s 2026 minicamp.

Things start in the backfield, where the Commanders simply have too many bodies. It extends into the wide receiver group with the same issue. And then finally it lands at the edge rusher position.

These are things to ponder for head coach Dan Quinn.

RB Jeremy McNichols

First, let’s look at what McNichols has done in his NFL career. He has been in the league since 2017 and played for the 49ers, Colts, Jaguars, Titans, 49ers (again), and the Commanders. His highest number of touches came last year, when he matched his 2021 total of 69.

But the results simply haven’t been very impressive. McNichols is a below-average reserve. And at age 30, his days in the league are likely coming to a close.

Add in the fact that the Commanders already have a crowded backfield. How crowded? Well, consider that McNichols isn’t even listed on the four-deep chart, according to ESPN. He’s behind projected starter Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, rookie Kaytron Allen, and Jerome Ford. There’s almost no chance of him supplanting one of those guys. And UDFA Robery Henry Jr. has reportedly made some camp noise.

However, McNichols does offer some backup value on special teams. So there’s a small chance he sneaks onto the 53-man roster. But the danger of missing the cut is certainly there.

WR Van Jefferson

When the Commanders signed Jefferson, one question needed to be answered: Why? The six-year veteran offers little more than a backup of a backup. If Jefferson is on the field, it likely means the Commanders’ season has gone south.

Jefferson’s career high in receptions is 50. And that came back in 2021 with the Rams. Over the last three years, he’s played with the Rams, Falcons, Steelers, and Titans. There isn’t a solid reason to be excited that he’s in camp.

Sure, a one-year, $1.4 million contract isn’t much of an investment. But the Commanders have younger, and likely better options than Jefferson. The current starters are Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, and rookie Antonio Williams. In the starting mix is Treylon Burks. Behind him are Dyami Brown and second-year player Jaylin Lane. The Commanders also have Jacoby Jones, Nick Nash, Jayden Bradley, and Chris Hilton Jr.

If the Commanders carry six receivers, it’s unlikely Jefferson will be one of them.

Now, it is true that Jefferson has looked decent in camp. He has made some plays. And any time a receiver makes a play, the Commanders take notice. That’s because their overall receiver room is poor. So if Jefferson has a pathway, it’s the athleticism he carries with his 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame.

But there’s another problem for Jefferson. The Commanders could still sign Stefon Diggs or Brandon Aiyuk before the season begins. That’s one less receiver spot on the 53-man roster for Jefferson to claim.

Point blank, if the Commanders sign a better veteran receiver than Jefferson, he will likely be looking for a new team.

Edge Javontae Jean-Baptiste

One thing working against Jean-Baptiste is that the Commanders didn’t spend much draft capital on him. They selected him in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

In his first season, he totaled one start and one sack. But there was hope for a bigger role in 2025. However, a season-ending injury limited him to three games. And his season never got off the ground.

Jean-Baptiste suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 4 last year that eventually required surgery. And in the offseason, the Commanders decided to overhaul their edge rusher position. They brought in free-agent edge rushers Odafe Oweh (Chargers) and K’Lavon Chaisson (Patriots). Also, they added Joshua Josephs in the 2026 draft. Plus, they signed Charles Omenihu (Chiefs), who has defensive line flexibility.

Furthermore, the Commanders also have Dorance Armstrong, Deatrich Wise, Drake Jackson, Andre Carter II, DJ Johnson, and TJ Maguranyanga. That’s a lot of big bodies for Jean-Baptiste to fight off as he seeks a roster spot.

But there is one path for Jean-Baptiste to make the roster, according to Sports Illustrated.

“The path is probably not built around becoming one of Washington’s top pass rushers right away with the collection of edge rushers currently on the roster,” Philip Hughes wrote. “It is built around proving he can set a firm edge, give (new defensive coordinator) Daronte Jones useful rotational snaps, contribute on special teams, and create enough disruption in preseason games that the staff does not feel comfortable exposing him to waivers for another team to sign.”

It’s a tough task, but it’s likely the only shot Jean-Baptiste has.

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