The Washington Commanders added what could be the next great linebacker in the league with first-rounder Sonny Styles. But that doesn’t mean the team is going to automatically cast aside another prospect such as Jordan Magee, who the team was previously grooming to replace Bobby Wagner.
What it does mean, though, is Washington’s minicamp this week is likely more important to Magee than the average returning player.
The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala argued that point on the eve of Washington’s minicamp. The Commanders will host the mandatory practice sessions from June 16-18.
At Washington’s minicamp, Styles and Magee will be just two of several linebackers vying for opportunities this fall.
“He’s taken all the necessary steps,” said Commanders linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. when addressing Magee at offseason workouts, via Jhabvala. “He’s doing all the things correctly. It’s just a very competitive room. And he, along with Frankie and everybody else in the room, is going to have to continue to really compete to play.”
On Monday, Jhabvala added that Magee appears poised for a backup role. That is, unless he earns a bigger role beginning at minicamp.
“That leaves Magee as likely third in line among the inside backers — unless his play in minicamp this week and in training camp later this summer proves he’s worthy of more,” wrote The Athletic insider.
Commanders LB Jordan Magee Has Something to Prove
GettyWashington Commanders linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. addressed where linebacker Jordan Magee fits entering his third season with the team.
Jhabvala’s feature story on Magee before minicamp showcased how the Commanders were preparing the linebacker to be the team’s leader. By the end of last season, Magee held significant responsibilities such as note taking in meetings, extensive film study and wearing the green dot in practice.
Not that he is going to lose all of those responsibilities with Styles arriving. But if Magee wants to play more snaps, he has to earn playing time next to the top rookie.
After playing in eight games as a rookie, Magee appeared in all 17 games for Washington last season. He started eight of those contests, posting 54 combined tackles with three tackles for loss.
Magee started seven of the last 10 games of last season.
Commanders Linebacker Depth Entering 2026 Minicamp
GettyHead coach Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders selected linebacker Jordan Magee in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Earning more playing time than last season — or even the same amount — won’t be easy for Magee. In addition to Styles, the Commanders signed veteran Leo Chenal to a 3-year contract in NFL free agency.
Veteran Frankie Luvu will be back with Washington as well. Luvu made second-team All-Pro during his first Commanders season in 2024. Yet, he could also move into a reserve role with the arrival of Styles and Chenal.
Washington made key additions at edge rusher as well this spring. Jhabvala also wrote positive things about the other inside linebackers on the Commanders roster.
“The team also has second-year linebackers Kain Medrano and Ale Kaho, as well as veteran Nick Bellore, who is almost exclusively a special-teams ace,” wrote Jhabvala.
That’s why minicamp could be really important for Magee. Linebacker is such a crowded position group that for the third-year player to find a role, he has to excel whenever he’s on the field this year.
Commanders Assistant Speaks out on 3rd-Year LB ‘With Something to Prove’