The Washington Commanders' roster continues to be a work in progress as the preseason advances, with several pivotal positions still undecided. One of the most captivating competitions is the battle for the second wide receiver (WR2) spot, which remains wide open.
The Commanders are in search of a reliable counterpart to Terry McLaurin, who is set to enter the 2024 season as their undisputed top target. Among the contenders, Jahan Dotson, entering his third year with the team, has shown potential but has struggled with consistency. Despite flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons, Dotson has not yet been officially named as the WR2.
Another strong contender for the WR2 role is Olamide Zaccheaus, who joined the Commanders this offseason. Though undrafted in 2019, Zaccheaus has made a name for himself as a dependable target during his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles. Over 72 games, with 24 starts, Zaccheaus has notched 104 receptions on 171 targets for 1,492 yards and 10 touchdowns. His performance in the Commanders’ training camp has not gone unnoticed. Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn remarked, "I've been really impressed with Olamide, I thought he's had a really strong camp."
Dyami Brown, who was picked in the third round of the 2021 draft, also throws his hat into the ring. Brown played in 15 games last season but did not start any, in contrast to his rookie season where he made six starts. With 29 career receptions for 476 yards and three touchdowns, Brown aims to secure a more prominent role moving forward.
Luke McCaffrey, entering his rookie year, adds another dimension to the contest. Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn has indicated that McCaffrey is also in the plans: "Looking forward to getting Luke some extra work in here. Jahan, Dyami, so that's where we're at."
An unexpected twist came with the signing of Martavis Bryant. Bryant, who has been out of the NFL since 2018, brings experience but also carries the challenge of shaking off years of rust. Nevertheless, his addition injects more intrigue and competition into the mix as the preseason unfolds.
The Commanders’ next test comes soon, with a preseason game against the New England Patriots on August 17. This will provide the coaching staff another crucial opportunity to evaluate their wide receiver depth chart under game conditions. The regular season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8 looms large, and with it, the necessity to establish clarity at the WR2 spot becomes even more pressing.
As the preseason progresses, the battle for WR2 remains one of the key storylines to watch. Each snap, route, and catch will be crucial for Dotson, Zaccheaus, Brown, McCaffrey, and Bryant to prove their worth and secure their spot opposite McLaurin. Whether it’s Dotson’s potential, Zaccheaus’ reliability, Brown’s aspirations, McCaffrey’s fresh start, or Bryant’s comeback, the Commanders are evaluating all options to solidify a formidable receiving corps for the 2024 season.