The Washington Commanders haven’t been shy about adding pieces to both sides of the ball. What began with a trade for receiver Deebo Samuel quickly evolved into a large-scale effort to support quarterback Jayden Daniels with a Super Bowl-caliber supporting cast.
The Commanders traded for Laremy Tunsil, and signed safety Will Harris, defensive tackles Eddie Goldman and Javon Kinlaw, and receiver K.J. Osborn, among others.
However, Washington just made it to the NFC Championship Game with several free agents, many of which filled out the bottom and middle of a once-desolate roster. Bringing many of those contributors back has also been a priority.
In the opening days of free agency, the team brought back a handful of contributors, including tight end Zach Ertz, linebacker Bobby Wagner, punter Tress Way, quarterback Marcus Mariota, and receiver Noah Brown.
The Commanders also re-signed inconsistent cornerback Noah Igbinoghene to a one-year deal, per John Keim.
It is not immediately clear how much his contract will be worth, although it is not expected to have significant cap ramifications.
Igbinoghene struggled in 2024, but the corner has several things going for him that make him a strong fit in Washington. For one, he has continuity not just with the Commanders, but head coach Dan Quinn. The Dallas Cowboys traded for him in 2023 while Quinn was the defensive coordinator. That continuity could be the glue that keeps the unit together when adversity strikes.
Likewise, adversity is inevitable in the NFL, and Igbinoghene proved that he can provide adequate depth, with the versatility to play both on the boundary and in the slot (although the vast majority of his time was spent inside in 2024. He also provides minor special teams value.
Washington hopes he won’t have to play as much as he did en route to the playoffs a season ago. With a healthy Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, and the newly-signed Jonathan Jones, it is more likely that Igbinoghene’s second stint with the Commanders comes with far fewer snaps.
The Commanders saw what it took to make a deep playoff run and have made it a priority to keep much of that roster together. Expect that strategy to pay dividends in 2025.
