Jonathan Jones - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders have some real uncertainty in their cornerback room heading into Adam Peters' third recruitment period at the helm. Fans are expecting the front-office leader to be aggressive in his quest to solidify the unit, especially given how much emphasis Daronte Jones will place on creating turnovers under his leadership.
Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos are going to play a lot, but that's about all fans can say with confidence. Four-time Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore is almost guaranteed to be cut with $18.5 million in savings. Most others who logged prominent reps last season are now free agents.
Perhaps one or two will be re-signed. In Jonathan Jones' case, given his lack of legitimate size and advancing years, he could be forced to explore other employment avenues when the free-agent market begins.
Jones dealt with some injury problems last season. Aside from a few flashes, the production was wildly inconsistent. And he's not done enough to cement his place in Washington's defensive revolution.
Will Harris - Commanders S
The Commanders are looking for versatility and physicality from their defensive backs in Daronte Jones' new system. Even though the coordinator singled out Will Harris as someone who could play a role, that should not prevent general manager Adam Peters from finding a suitable replacement at some point during the offseason.
Harris was the man hand-picked by the Commanders to replace Jeremy Chinn. Peters didn't want to pay the dynamic safety what the Las Vegas Raiders were willing to offer. One year later, this looks like a grave error in judgment.
Washington's defense greatly missed his presence. Chinn put together an outstanding season with the Raiders, and Harris struggled for consistency. He also suffered some injury problems, which could give him the benefit of the doubt when push comes to shove.
Jones wasn't going to outright say any players were in jeopardy. He was a beacon of positivity in front of the media, but that opinion could be very different behind the scenes. Harris could be cut if the desired roster enhancements arrive.
Shy Tuttle - Commanders DL
Daronte Jones is projected to make substantial changes to Washington's defense. The new defensive coordinator sees potential in the group, but for his concepts to work, a major overhaul of the playing personnel is required.
If Jones switches the Commanders' primary defensive alignment to a 3-4 base, the nose tackle position becomes integral. Washington needs a genuine space-eater capable of absorbing double teams to free up space for others. Looking at the options currently available, nobody jumps off the page for that role.
Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne will probably be the 3-4 defensive ends, with Johnny Newton coming in on pass-rushing situations. Shy Tuttle spent two seasons as the nose during his time with the Carolina Panthers, but his inconsistency and lack of legitimate size or strength proved extremely problematic.
Tuttle joined the Commanders late in the campaign after his departure from the Tennessee Titans. He should not be on the roster in 2026.