The Washington Commanders are moving on from defensive end Clelin Ferrell, according to a report from Last Man Standig on Tuesday. The move comes as NFL teams finalize rosters ahead of the regular-season 53-man limit.
Clelin Ferrell’s Short Stint in Washington
Ferrell, 28, was once seen as a cornerstone defensive piece when the then-Oakland Raiders selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
In his lone season with Washington, Ferrell produced:
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26 total tackles
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1 forced fumble
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Started 10 of 14 games played
While he provided depth on the defensive front, his impact did not meet the high expectations often placed on a former top-five draft selection.
From Raiders Pick to Free Agency
Ferrell’s NFL journey began with the Raiders, who drafted him to be a disruptive force on the edge. Despite flashes of potential, consistency and production were often questioned during his time in Oakland/Las Vegas.
After four years with the Raiders, Ferrell spent time with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Commanders. Now, with his release, he will enter free agency once again — searching for a new opportunity to continue his career.
Commanders’ Roster Strategy
The decision to part ways with Ferrell is tied directly to NFL roster cutdown rules. By Tuesday, all teams are required to trim rosters from the 90-man offseason limit to 53 players for the regular season.
For Washington, the move reflects a focus on developing younger pass rushers and maximizing depth behind starters. The Commanders’ defensive line remains one of the team’s strongest units, but releasing Ferrell opens up flexibility for other positional needs.
What’s Next for Clelin Ferrell?
With free agency looming, Ferrell could draw interest from teams needing experienced rotational depth at defensive end. At 28 years old, he still has the physical tools to contribute, though he may face competition from younger, lower-cost options.
Possible fits could include:
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Defensive-line needy teams seeking veterans for rotational snaps
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Squads battling injuries ahead of the regular season
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Contenders looking for depth before a playoff push
FAQs About Clelin Ferrell’s Release
Why did the Commanders release Clelin Ferrell?
The move was part of the required roster cuts to reach the 53-man limit before the regular season.
What team drafted Clelin Ferrell?
He was drafted 4th overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2019 NFL Draft.
What are Ferrell’s career stats?
Across multiple seasons, Ferrell has provided rotational depth but has struggled to meet the production expected of a top-five pick.
What happens next for Ferrell?
He will enter free agency as an unrestricted free agent and may sign with another NFL team.
Conclusion
The Commanders’ release of Clelin Ferrell highlights the tough decisions teams face during final roster cuts. While Ferrell didn’t carve out a long-term role in Washington, the veteran defensive end still has the chance to continue his NFL career elsewhere.
Fans will now wait to see where the former No. 4 overall pick lands as the 2025 NFL season approaches.
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