The Washington Commanders picked up their first victory of the campaign in Week 2 against the New York Giants. This was an undoubted positive, there's no getting away from that. But if head coach Dan Quinn wants to build on this newfound momentum, some significant adjustments are needed.
One of the biggest complications centers on the pass defense. Fans had their concerns about whether the Commanders had enough in their cornerback room before the campaign. it's early days, but these fears haven't diminished over the opening two contests.
Benjamin St-Juste is playing well. Rookie second-rounder Mike Sainristil is enduring some growing pains, which was anticipated. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is on the shelf with a thumb issue. Michael Davis didn't look capable of manning starting responsibilities effectively based on his Week 2 showing.
With some difficult games upcoming against high-octane passing attacks, general manager Adam Peters needs to take drastic action. On this topic, here are five free-agent cornerbacks the Commanders must consider signing as a matter of urgency.
Free-agent cornerbacks the Commanders must consider signing immediately
Commanders must consider Chandon Sullivan
The Washington Commanders need to act quickly if they identify Chandon Sullivan as a player of interest. He worked out with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, which could result in joining their practice squad or the 53-man roster if they were impressed enough with his capabilities.
Sullivan performed well with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. He gave up a lowly 59.4 passer rating when targeted and also assisted prominently on special teams. Once the team traded for cornerback Donte Jackson, it meant his services were no longer required.
The former Georgia State star is not the flashiest player, but he's a solid coverage presence who has no trouble making his presence felt against the run. It's a surprise to see Sullivan still looking for work - something the Commanders might want to capitalize on to provide their secondary with another dependable veteran piece.
Commanders must consider Xavien Howard
Xavien Howard is arguably the best performer on the veteran free-agent cornerback market right now. The former second-round selection was an All-Pro coverage presence at the peak of his powers. Some unfortunate injuries dented his trajectory and the Miami Dolphins made him an expected salary-cap casualty this offseason.
Howard is raring to go and waiting for another opportunity. It might take him a little time to get in true football shape after featuring in just 13 games last season. But if the player proves his health, there should be interest from cornerback-needy franchises around the league.
The Washington Commanders are one of those based on their output over the first two games of 2024. Howard might be waiting around for a contender, but general manager Adam Petters has enough spare resources to offer the Baylor product a better financial package than most.
Howard would provide the Commanders with something in short supply; proven production against the league's best wide receivers. However, the injury red flags cannot be overlooked and need significant examination from Washington's medical staff if the defensive back came into the conversation.
Commanders must consider Patrick Peterson
The Commanders made a concerted effort to remove underperforming veterans and deploy a mini-youth movement led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason. That's commendable and should put this organization in a better position to thrive in the coming years. But if those in power believe there's an opportunity to enter the postseason picture right out of the gate under head coach Dan Quinn, signing some experience is crucial.
Patrick Peterson has more of that than most. He's not the All-Pro-caliber cornerback of previous years, but his performances for the Pittsburgh Steelers last time around indicate he could still be of use in some capacity.
Asking Peterson to be an every-down starter at this late stage of his career is pushing things. However, he'd be an upgrade on the rotation and would also provide younger cornerbacks with an outstanding mentorship presence to lean on throughout the campaign.
Peterson has the size and length normally associated with defensive backs within Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s schematic concepts. He's lost some explosiveness that made him a shutdown presence once upon a time. That might be the one thing that puts the Commanders off from making a move despite the obvious benefits attached.
Commanders must consider J.C. Jackson
If the Washington Commanders genuinely believe that they aren't far away from mixing with the potential playoff hopefuls, signing a high-profile free agent capable of slotting in immediately could be the play. It comes with significant risk, but someone with J.C. Jackson's on-field capabilities warrants a discussion.
Jackson is now eligible to participate in the regular season after being suspended one game for violating the league's substance abuse policy. It's been a steady decline for the player after his sensational season with the New England Patriots in 2021. His big-money move to the Los Angeles Chargers didn't pay off for the franchise and he's looking for another home after a brief return to Gillette Stadium in 2023.
Every remaining veteran on the market with the season underway comes with concerns attached. The Commanders would need to be sure Jackson is in the right headspace before making this move. But if the player could return to something like his old form, he'd be a significant upgrade on anything Washington has aside from perhaps Benjamin St-Juste.
Those days might be long gone. This would also go away from the way general manager Adam Peters has gone about his business so far. At the same time, it wouldn't cost the Commanders much to find out one way or another.
Commanders must consider Justin Bethel
Adam Peters hasn't made many splashy moves since becoming general manager. The Commanders gutted two-thirds of their roster during the first offseason under his leadership, but the former San Francisco 49ers executive was eager to keep the long-term in mind. He is unlikely to deviate from this plan despite the dire need for cornerback assistance.
That could lead the Commanders to someone like Justin Bethel. The three-time Pro Bowler was a consistent presence in his prime and an integral special teams force at his various stops. His production on the Miami Dolphins defensive rotation last time around didn't inspire confidence, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
If the Commanders decide they need extra on special teams, this becomes more likely. That's where Bethel excels despite the former sixth-round selection being 34 years old. This would be a cost-effective measure to potentially prove. However, there's also a chance he's fallen off the proverbial performance cliff.
Whichever way the Commanders go, they cannot stand pat and hope things get better. Only Mike Sainristil comes with a legitimate upside for those struggling. Peters is a shrewd evaluator, so that's unlikely to go unnoticed.
