Washington must trim its roster to 53 players after the final preseason game, and wide receiver decisions will reveal how aggressively the team pursues a win-now roster. Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Noah Brown, and rookie Jaylin Lane are locked into roles, providing veteran experience and young speed for Jayden Daniels. The team is likely to keep six receivers, leaving two open spots. Luke McCaffrey, a second-year third-round pick, faces a make-or-break showing after limited production. McCaffrey needs consistent separation, a standout catch, a big block, or special teams impact to secure a roster spot.
Adam Peters, Dan Quinn, and Kliff Kingsbury have a crossroads moment coming up. They must cut their roster to 53 players after the Washington Commanders' final preseason game. In his offseason moves, Peters has made it pretty clear that he has shifted into a win-now phase of roster construction. Just how far he is going will be most apparent in the decisions the Commanders make at the wide receiver position.
Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. are locked in as Washington's top two wideouts. Both are 29 years old, as is presumptive WR3 Noah Brown. As a trio, they form a versatile set of weapons for Jayden Daniels. Behind them, rookie Jaylin Lane adds youth and speed. Notwithstanding health and holdouts, those four are locks to make the Commanders' roster. Washington is likely to keep six receivers, which leaves two spots up for grabs. That's where Peters' choices become interesting.
Second-year man Luke McCaffrey is likely to make the team, but it's no longer a sure thing. Fans have been waiting for the former Rice star to show signs of why Peters chose him in the third round of last year's draft. He has the athleticism to make plays, but so far, he simply hasn't done it on the field. McCaffrey hasn't even shown flashes, save for maybe on a punt return or two. Even there, he has looked fairly average.
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