Earlier this week, the Washington Commanders announced that they waived 2022 second round draft pick Phidarian Mathis. Mathis was claimed by the New York Jets, along with Jamin Davis– another former Commanders 1st round pick who was released earlier this year. The Jets also signed kicker Greg Joseph.
Mathis was chosen by the Washington Commanders in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, being the 47th overall pick. He signed a four-year rookie contract on June 21, 2022. Unfortunately, during his NFL debut, Mathis suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee and was subsequently placed on injured reserve. He played in 10 games in 2023 and 12 games this year, but has been inactive on game days in recent weeks. The return of starter Jonathan Allen this past week, who was out for several weeks with a pectoral tear, made the move possible for the Commanders. Mathis had 17 tackles, including two tackles for loss.
Davis was selected by the Washington with the 19th pick in first round of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13, 2021 and has been with the team ever since, starting 36 games in the last four seasons. He was signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad in October and then to the Minnesota Vikings roster until his release on Saturday.
Greg Joseph played in one game for the Commanders this season, a 20-19 win against the New Orleans Saints on December 15th when he made two of three field goals and both extra point attempts.
Earlier this season, the Commanders also released 2023 1st round draft pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr., who went on to sign with the Los Angeles Rams. Only 10 of 33 draft picks made during the Ron Rivera era are still with the team. Three are starters (Sam Cosmi, Quan Martin, and Brian Robinson).