5 Commanders players cementing their future in Washington beyond 2024

5 Commanders Players Cementing Their Future in Washington Beyond 2024

As the Washington Commanders navigate through the 2024 season, fans and analysts alike are beginning to look beyond the current year and ask, Who will remain a core part of the team for the long haul? With the organization undergoing significant changes, particularly in the front office and ownership, the future of the Commanders appears to be on the brink of a new era. A new direction is shaping up, and part of that future will depend on the young talent and proven veterans who can help lay the foundation for sustained success.

While it’s too early to definitively say who will be a part of the Commanders’ future beyond 2024, there are several players whose performances, leadership, and potential make them strong candidates to remain in Washington for years to come. Here are five Commanders players who are well-positioned to cement their futures with the franchise.

1. Jahan Dotson – WR (Second-Year Breakout)

Since being drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Jahan Dotson has flashed undeniable talent and has emerged as one of the most promising young receivers in the league. The wide receiver position has been a revolving door in Washington for years, but Dotson has the potential to change that narrative.

Dotson’s 2023 season has solidified his place as a key weapon in the Commanders’ offense. His chemistry with quarterback Sam Howell continues to grow, and he has shown the ability to make explosive plays, especially in clutch situations. Known for his precise route running, explosive speed, and ability to make tough catches in contested situations, Dotson is already becoming a favorite target in the passing game.

As Washington continues to rebuild, keeping Dotson in the fold for the long term should be a priority. His skill set fits perfectly in an offense that is likely to evolve with Howell under center. If Dotson continues on his current trajectory, the Commanders may sign him to a long-term extension, solidifying him as a cornerstone of their receiving corps for years to come.

2. Terry McLaurin – WR (Veteran Leadership and Consistency)

While Dotson may be the future of Washington’s receiving game, Terry McLaurin remains the present and one of the most important pieces of the team. The team’s best and most consistent weapon over the past few seasons, McLaurin is a model of reliability. His speed, route-running, and ability to make spectacular catches have made him one of the league’s top wideouts.

McLaurin signed a three-year, $68 million extension with the team in 2022, which means he is locked in through 2025. His veteran leadership and unyielding commitment to the team are invaluable assets as the Commanders aim to build a competitive squad. McLaurin has been a stabilizing force for the offense, especially as Washington has cycled through quarterbacks and offensive systems.

With McLaurin still in his prime at 28 years old, he’s a foundational piece of the offense beyond 2024. His ability to mentor younger receivers like Dotson and his rapport with Sam Howell make McLaurin indispensable as Washington’s passing attack matures. If McLaurin can stay healthy and continue to perform at a high level, he’ll remain a cornerstone for the Commanders well into the latter half of the decade.

3. Chase Young – DE (The Path to Defensive Dominance)

For years, Chase Young was considered the future of Washington’s defense. After a sensational rookie season in 2020, during which he won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, Young seemed poised to become one of the league’s most disruptive pass rushers. However, injuries have slowed his progress, and questions surrounding his consistency and durability have emerged.

Despite these challenges, 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Young. The Commanders have yet to decide whether to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, which would keep him in Washington through 2025. However, if Young is able to return to his pre-injury form, there’s no reason why he couldn’t cement his future in Washington. His potential to change the game with his pass-rush ability is still very much intact, and he’s one of the few players on the roster capable of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks at the elite level.

If Young can stay healthy in 2024 and prove that he can dominate on a consistent basis, the Commanders will likely make a concerted effort to extend his contract. Washington’s defense already has playmakers in players like Jonathan Allen and Montez Sweat, but if Young can reassert himself as a top-tier edge rusher, he’ll be a critical piece of the team’s defensive line for years to come.

4. Jonathan Allen – DT (Anchor of the Defensive Line)

Jonathan Allen has been the anchor of Washington’s defensive line for several years now, and he shows no signs of slowing down. As one of the most consistent and disruptive defensive tackles in the league, Allen is a vital component of a defensive unit that has become one of the stronger facets of the team.

Signed to a four-year, $72 million extension in 2021, Allen is under contract through 2025, making him a mainstay in Washington’s defense for the foreseeable future. His leadership, work ethic, and ability to clog up running lanes or collapse the pocket are invaluable to the success of the front seven. Allen’s combination of size, strength, and technique makes him a formidable presence in the interior of Washington’s defensive line, and he remains a key piece of the team’s defensive identity.

As Washington looks to build a playoff-caliber team, Allen’s presence will remain crucial. His veteran leadership will be essential in mentoring younger players like Daron Payne, and his ability to disrupt the passing game will continue to be a key factor in Washington’s defensive success. The Commanders should prioritize keeping Allen as the centerpiece of their defensive front beyond 2024.

5. Sam Howell – QB (The Future Under Center)

Perhaps the most important player on this list, Sam Howell is the face of Washington’s future. After being drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Howell is finally getting his chance to start in 2024. Though still in the early stages of his career, Howell has shown flashes of potential that make him an exciting prospect for Washington’s future.

Howell’s playmaking ability, including his strong arm and mobility, provides the kind of upside Washington has lacked at quarterback for years. While 2024 will be a critical year for his development, it is clear that Howell has the potential to become the franchise quarterback that the team has long searched for. The Commanders’ front office has made it clear that they’re committed to giving Howell a legitimate shot, and if he can prove himself in 2024, he’ll likely be locked in as the starting quarterback for years to come.

Should Howell show continued growth and consistency in 2024, the Commanders will be eager to make him the centerpiece of their rebuild. Having a young, talented quarterback who can grow with the team’s other emerging stars is essential for Washington’s long-term success.

Looking Ahead

The future of the Washington Commanders looks brighter than it has in years, thanks to a core group of players who have the talent and potential to lead the team to sustained success. From Jahan Dotson’s rise as a star wideout to Sam Howell’s promising future as the franchise quarterback, Washington has a foundation that can take them beyond 2024.

However, players like Chase Young, Jonathan Allen, and Terry McLaurin are equally vital to ensuring the team remains competitive. With a combination of youth and experience, the Commanders are poised to build a roster that can compete for championships well into the next decade. As the 2024 season unfolds, these five players will be integral to Washington’s efforts to solidify its future as an NFL contender.