4 potential surprise cuts by Commanders: 2 rookie draft picks in danger?

The Washington Commanders have until 6:00 p.m. Sunday to trim their roster from 90 to 53 players. The work has already begun , as Washington reportedly released five players on Saturday.

Of the first five moves, none were surprises. Washington released two safeties, two linebackers and an offensive lineman. The Commanders are deep at the first two positions, and Nicholas Petit-Frere, the offensive lineman released, was always a long shot when he signed during training camp.

Washington made its most surprising cut last week, releasing veteran safety Will Harris. However, if you'd been to Commanders training camp or watched Harris in action, it wasn't much of a surprise. He had struggled. His release likely means Washington is set at safety with Nick Cross, Jeremy Reaves, Quan Martin, Tyler Owens and Percy Butler.

Speaking of surprise cuts, could the Commanders move on from 2024 third-round pick Luke McCaffrey? Washington had six receivers inactive for the preseason finale at Baltimore on Friday, which usually indicates a player is safe. Two players competing for a spot at receiver, McCaffrey and Van Jefferson, were active. What does it mean? It means McCaffrey isn't 100% safe, despite a solid training camp.

Let's look at four potential surprise cuts on Sunday and why it would be a surprise.

Look, even with McCaffrey playing on Friday night, it would still be a bit of a surprise if he were cut. Washington's fan base is weirdly split on McCaffrey. Some believe he should be a superstar, even though he was the No. 100 overall pick in 2024. When the Commanders selected McCaffrey, he'd only played wide receiver for two years. Last season, McCaffrey appeared to be making strides, taking over as Washington's primary kickoff returner, averaging 30 yards per return. He also caught three touchdowns before breaking a collarbone in Week 9. McCaffrey can play inside or outside. The Commanders were trying multiple players at kick returner this summer, so were they looking for potential replacements? McCaffrey is the player to watch on Sunday.

When the Commanders used a sixth-round pick on running back Kaytron Allen in April's NFL draft, many believed he'd be the short-yardage and goal-line back in 2026. Allen isn't a dynamic back, but he's productive. He finished his career as Penn State's all-time leading rusher. In Washington's first preseason game, he carried the ball 23 times without one negative rush. According to Warren Sharp, he was the only running back over the last decade to have 20+ carries and not lose a single yard on any of his attempts. Allen is known for protecting the football, but in the preseason finale, he fumbled on Washington's first snap from scrimmage and later bobbled a kickoff. The Commanders like Allen, but could they try to sneak him through to the practice squad? If another team did claim him, it's not hard to find backs like Allen. Undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. offers a more dynamic skill set.

Another of Washington's 2026 draft picks, does GM Adam Peters believe he could also get Gulbin through to the practice squad? The rookie had his moments this summer, but he also faced his share of struggles. You can bet Peters will be searching hard for veteran interior offensive line help, either through the trade market or from players waived by other teams. The Commanders would like to develop Gulbin, but he has some limitations. If they waive Gulbin, that doesn't mean Julian Good-Jones is making the roster. It would signal that Washington has found veteran help elsewhere. I'd expect Good-Jones to be released with Gulbin making the roster as an interior reserve. But the Commanders absolutely cannot go into Week 1 with Gulbin as the primary backup center.

Trent Scott has enjoyed a successful NFL career. An undrafted free agent in 2018, Scott is entering his ninth NFL season. He's appeared in 96 NFL games and made 26 starts. He's been with Washington since 2023. He'll always be the answer to the trivia question of 'Who caught Jayden Daniels' first career touchdown pass?' Scott's flexibility also helps his cause, as he can play guard and tackle. However, he played late in Friday's loss to the Ravens and struggled. He struggled against players who are unlikely to make NFL rosters in 2026.

Still, the Commanders like Scott. He's dependable and can fill in for them in a pinch. Because he can play multiple spots, he's almost always active. Unless Peters can find help elsewhere, Scott will be hard to knock off the roster, considering Washington's current issues. So, it would be a surprise if he's cut. Of course, I would expect the Commanders' offensive line could look much different before Week 1.