Commanders to Cut a Quarterback Before Final Roster Cuts
With the preseason winding down, NFL teams are gearing up for the final roster cuts to bring their squads down to the league-mandated 53 players before the regular season. Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon recently analyzed all 32 teams and predicted which player each should cut. For the Washington Commanders, Kenyon believes the team should move on from backup quarterback Jeff Driskel, opting to keep only two quarterbacks on the active roster.
Key Takeaways:
- The Emergency Third Quarterback Rule: Kenyon argues that Washington doesn’t need a third quarterback on their active roster thanks to the league’s emergency third quarterback rule. This rule allows teams to activate a third quarterback from the practice squad for a game in case of an emergency.
- A Clear Hierarchy at Quarterback: With Jayden Daniels firmly established as the starter and Marcus Mariota slated for the backup role, the Commanders have a clear hierarchy in place at the position.
- Young Talent on the Practice Squad: Kenyon suggests the Commanders should consider keeping the youngest of the three quarterback options – Sam Hartman – on the practice squad. This would allow the rookie quarterback from Notre Dame to develop further without the pressure of an active roster spot.
- Focus on a Healthy Duo: The Commanders should focus on keeping the starting duo of Daniels and Mariota healthy to avoid the need for a third quarterback altogether.
The Commanders’ Quarterback Room: A Closer Look
The Commanders’ decision to potentially cut Driskel is not entirely surprising given the team’s recent acquisition of veteran Marcus Mariota and the emergence of Jayden Daniels as the team’s franchise quarterback.
Driskel has spent time with both the Detroit Lions and the Denver Broncos, showcasing his ability to play a functional role in an NFL offense. However, he’s likely not the long-term solution and has largely served as a backup or third-string option during his career.
With Mariota joining the team as a seasoned veteran and proven starter, the Commanders have a reliable backup to Daniels. This allows for the opportunity to keep a young prospect like Hartman on the practice squad, enabling his growth and development, while also having a veteran presence in Mariota, who can serve as a mentor and provide leadership.
The Importance of the Practice Squad
The practice squad is a crucial part of any NFL team, providing a platform for young players to hone their skills and prepare for potential opportunities on the active roster. Hartman, coming out of Notre Dame, offers great potential. Keeping him on the practice squad offers him valuable experience with the offense and the chance to learn from Daniels and Mariota.
While Driskel may provide a more experienced option for the practice squad, the Commanders could prioritize keeping Hartman to develop him into a potential future starter. This strategy aligns with the team’s overall goal of building a young and talented roster.
Roster Cuts: A Complex Process
The final roster cuts are always a challenging process for NFL teams. It often comes down to difficult decisions, weighing factors like experience, potential, and fit with the team’s overall strategy.
The Commanders’ decision regarding Driskel highlights the importance of utilizing the league’s emergency third quarterback rule and allowing a young quarterback the time to learn and develop. It also signifies the team’s commitment to building a core of players that can contribute both in the present and the future.
With the start of the regular season just around the corner, the Commanders will be looking to make a splash under their new coaching staff. The final roster cuts will be crucial in deciding their success.
