Commanders giving LB Jamin Davis a chance to earn edge rusher reps ahead of contract year

Washington Commanders first-round linebacker Jamin Davis enters a crucial campaign battling for snaps.

Washington has chosen not to exercise the fifth-year option for Davis, meaning he is now in the last year of his rookie contract. The ex-first round pick from Kentucky has demonstrated potential, but has yet to consistently achieve the level of impact the club anticipated when they selected him as the 19th pick in 2021.

With Dan Quinn taking over the defense and the Commanders importing Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, Davis’ role is a question mark heading into the season.

On Wednesday, Quinn mentioned that the Commanders will provide Davis with the opportunity to prove himself as an edge rusher to secure field time.

“Absolutely, it’s a natural question to ask. What does a contract year or the end of a contract look like?” said Quinn, as quoted from the team’s official transcript. “But what’s even more crucial is the progress he’s making. We’re specifically focusing on enhancing his versatility. He’s working with the defensive line and Ryan Kerrigan, our pass rush specialist, to add new elements to his game that we perhaps haven’t utilized before. If these additions can provide value for him and the team, we’ll invest time in exploring that. It’s not something that can be achieved in a single practice or week. It requires time and effort. I must say, I’m immensely impressed with his work ethic.”

Davis stated that collaborating with Kerrigan, who achieved 95.5 sacks throughout his career in Washington, on the edge has been enjoyable up to this point.

“It’s giving me a chance to just really cut it loose and just go hunt some quarterbacks, honestly,” he said.

The Commanders traded Chase Young and Montez Sweat last season, leaving a void off the edge. The club added Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler and Clelin Ferrell in free agency, but there are reps to be had. Davis could be one rotational option the Commanders test out.

Typically, when a new management steps in and brings in new players, the underperforming remnants from previous leadership are sidelined. Quinn and his team are currently assessing if they can still carve out a role for Davis in 2024.