The Washington Commanders have surpassed all expectations this season and are on the verge of clinching a playoff berth heading into a “Sunday Night Football” matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
One surprising aspect of the team has been the defense, which has held seven opponents under 20 points after being projected to be one of the worst in the NFL entering the year.
However, that defense will now be without a player who was expected to be a part of its future.
“The Commanders are waiving DL Phidarian Mathis. … A potential add for a playoff team looking for depth up front, Mathis could get claimed,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport wrote on X.
The #Commanders are waiving DL Phidarian Mathis, sources say, putting the former second-rounder on waivers.
A potential add for a playoff team looking for depth up-front, Mathis could get claimed. pic.twitter.com/Sq0sLcM1x1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 28, 2024
Smith had 17 total tackles and a pass defended this season while appearing in 12 games after posting eight tackles and a fumble recovery in 10 games last year.
He was a second-round pick (No. 47 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft but hasn’t done enough to solidify himself as a foundational piece of the Washington defense, and another team presumably will now give him another chance.
The move corresponds with the return of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, who has been on injured reserve due to the pectoral injury that has kept him sidelined since October.
Smith still has plenty to prove in the NFL and he may get a chance to do just that with whatever team he lands with next.
Washington will have its hands full with Atlanta’s running game, and it’s worth watching to see if the Commanders miss Smith up front.
NEXT: Dan Quinn Provides Update On 1 Star Commanders Defender
