The Washington Commanders wrapped up the offseason program on Thursday, completing their three-day mandatory minicamp. The next step for the Commanders is training camp, which begins in around five weeks from Ashburn.
After Thursday's practice, head coach Dan Quinn met with the media to discuss the offseason and what lies ahead until training camp. Quinn specifically mentioned eight players who stood out this offseason.
"The team’s worked incredibly hard, you know, strength and conditioning-wise, they've made significant gains," Quinn said. "But just a few people I thought jumped out, defensively, [DE] T.J. [Maguranyanga], so I thought he's one that's improved. Jay-Z [DT Jer’Zhan Newton] I thought had great camp linebackers, [LB] Kain [Medrano] and [LB] Jordan [Magee], through this time was big."
Some of those names are interesting. Maguranyanga is a member of the NFL's International Player Pathway program and was with the Commanders last season. He's a former rugby player and hails from Zimbabwe. While he faces long odds of making the team, Washington does get a roster exemption if he is back on the practice squad in 2026.
Could this be the year for Newton? A second-round pick in 2024, Newton wasn't healthy in his first two offseasons. He's been healthy this offseason, and the Commanders remain high on him. His performance against the Cowboys on Christmas Day gave a glimpse into his potential. Quinn believes new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones can help unlock Newton.
After Thursday's practice, head coach Dan Quinn met with the media to discuss the offseason and what lies ahead until training camp. Quinn specifically mentioned eight players who stood out this offseason.
"The team’s worked incredibly hard, you know, strength and conditioning-wise, they've made significant gains," Quinn said. "But just a few people I thought jumped out, defensively, [DE] T.J. [Maguranyanga], so I thought he's one that's improved. Jay-Z [DT Jer’Zhan Newton] I thought had great camp linebackers, [LB] Kain [Medrano] and [LB] Jordan [Magee], through this time was big."
Some of those names are interesting. Maguranyanga is a member of the NFL's International Player Pathway program and was with the Commanders last season. He's a former rugby player and hails from Zimbabwe. While he faces long odds of making the team, Washington does get a roster exemption if he is back on the practice squad in 2026.
Could this be the year for Newton? A second-round pick in 2024, Newton wasn't healthy in his first two offseasons. He's been healthy this offseason, and the Commanders remain high on him. His performance against the Cowboys on Christmas Day gave a glimpse into his potential. Quinn believes new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones can help unlock Newton.
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