As the Washington Commanders turn the page from voluntary OTAs to mandatory minicamp, a clearer picture of the 2025 roster is beginning to emerge. With Jayden Daniels continuing to assert himself as the face of the franchise and a number of rookies turning heads in the final OTA sessions, the spring phase closes on an optimistic note. Yet the absence of a few key veterans and unresolved contract tensions linger, injecting just enough uncertainty to keep fans and analysts watching closely.
The top storyline remains Daniels’ development. The second-year quarterback has drawn consistent praise throughout OTAs for his grasp of Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, but in the past 24 hours, additional reports have surfaced highlighting his command during two-minute drills and third-down work. According to team insiders, Daniels has shown a clear jump in pre-snap processing and is beginning to audible with confidence, checking into inside zone runs and quick-hitting routes against simulated blitzes. Coaches believe he is on pace to begin the season with a full playbook at his disposal, a rarity for a quarterback this early in his development.
Backing up Daniels’ ascent is a growing supporting cast. Wide receiver Noah Brown continues to be one of the most consistent performers of the spring, making multiple contested catches during Friday’s session and drawing direct praise from Head Coach Dan Quinn for his reliability. Brown, originally signed to compete for WR3 duties, may now be penciling his way into a starting role if Terry McLaurin’s contract situation remains unresolved.
McLaurin’s absence looms larger by the day. While not a new development, the lack of any progress or public comment from the team this weekend has only fueled speculation. League sources confirm that the gap between McLaurin and the front office remains focused on guaranteed money and contract length. McLaurin, entering what would be a contract year without a new deal, is widely respected as a locker room leader and foundational player. Still, if he fails to report to minicamp this week, the tone of negotiations could shift significantly. Social media reaction over the weekend remained heavily pro-McLaurin, with the hashtag #PayTerry trending among Commanders fans late Sunday night.
On defense, Marshon Lattimore continues to draw scrutiny. Officially sidelined with a soft-tissue injury, Lattimore has yet to participate in team drills and has been absent from all public team activities. While the coaching staff has not openly questioned his absence, the messaging from Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has emphasized availability and accountability. Lattimore’s health and commitment are increasingly in question, especially given the emergence of young talent in the secondary.
That young talent begins with rookie cornerback Trey Amos, who has received strong reviews for his physicality and quick adaptation to the playbook. According to multiple sources, Amos has already earned rotational reps with the second unit and may compete for snaps in nickel packages if Lattimore remains unavailable. Fellow rookie Mike Sainristil is also making noise, showing quick twitch in coverage and the versatility to play in the slot or at safety depending on alignment. Emmanuel Forbes, meanwhile, has bulked up noticeably since his rookie year and has improved in off-man coverage, though tackling consistency remains a work in progress.
At linebacker, Jordan Magee is quickly becoming a storyline of his own. A second-year player who missed much of 2024 due to injury, Magee has been integrated into sub-packages that take advantage of his lateral quickness and sideline-to-sideline speed. Whitt Jr. reportedly has plans to use Magee as a spy against mobile quarterbacks and to disrupt passing lanes from the hook zone. His rise could threaten veterans currently slotted as backups on the early depth chart.
On the defensive line, versatility is the theme. Javon Kinlaw, one of the offseason acquisitions, has been working at multiple positions during install periods. Whitt Jr. confirmed over the weekend that Kinlaw will be used both as a 3-tech in base defense and occasionally bumped out to 5-tech in even fronts. This gives the Commanders options as they continue to mix and match personnel to find the most effective pass-rush combinations. Daron Payne remains the anchor, and while his knee continues to be monitored, he has not missed any team periods and is expected to take a full workload in minicamp.
Special teams reps on Friday highlighted the ongoing battle at returner. Jaylin Lane remains the front-runner for both punt and kick return duties, showing explosiveness and secure hands. Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and running back Chris Rodriguez continue to get looks, but Lane’s consistency is winning favor with special teams coordinator Larry Izzo. Lane also caught a touchdown on a seam route from Daniels during Friday’s final red-zone install, reinforcing his value as a gadget piece in the offense.
The offensive line continues to solidify as a strength, with positive news around veteran Laremy Tunsil. Though he has yet to take the field in Ashburn this offseason, OL coach Bobby Johnson confirmed that Tunsil has been in constant contact with the staff and players, even mentoring rookie tackle Josh Conerly remotely. Tunsil’s leadership and consistency have given the staff confidence that he will report ready and in shape for minicamp. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell over the weekend called the Tunsil trade “one of the cleanest value acquisitions of the offseason” thanks to his production and manageable cap hit.
Among other headlines, defensive end Andre Jones has quietly put together one of the most consistent offseasons among young defenders. Jones has shown improved bend off the edge and flashed with a pair of pressures during Friday’s pass-rush drills. He is expected to compete with Shaka Toney for early down work behind presumed starters Jonathan Allen and Casey Toohill.
There were no new injuries reported over the weekend, a welcome development as the Commanders prepare for the next stage of the offseason. The roster appears healthy, though several players—including Sam Cosmi, Quan Martin, and Norell Pollard—remain on limited status as a precaution.
With the transition to mandatory minicamp starting June 10, the next 72 hours will be critical in setting tone and expectation. Attendance will be the most watched element, particularly in regards to McLaurin and Lattimore. The quarterback has taken the next step. The rookies have raised the floor. But the stars must still show up if this team is going to fulfill its potential. From here on out, the building blocks are in place. Now Washington has to cement the foundation.
