The trade of Kendall Fuller has opened up a hole at the cornerback position. Here’s a look at the top three free agents that the team could use to replace him.
The Washington Redskins didn’t need a cornerback coming into the offseason. In fact, it was one of the few positions that they appeared to be set at. However, after making a franchise altering decision to acquire Alex Smith as their quarterback, they will now have a need.
Kendall Fuller was shipped to the Chiefs as part of the Smith swap, so now the team has a major hole at slot corner. Sure, they have some young talent, but it’s unknown whether or not any of them will pan out. That said, acquiring some veteran help could set up the Redskins for more success in the short term while allowing their prospects to develop for the long term.
Here’s a look at some of the top veteran options on the free agent market with that goal in mind. Any of these three players could help the Redskins, though signing them may not be entirely realistic.
The Redskins recently traded away Kendall Fuller. But that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t have interest in targeting his brother on the free agent market.
Kyle Fuller was a former first round pick by the Chicago Bears who has had an up and down career. After missing all of the 2016 season with a knee injury, Fuller had a nice bounce back campaign for the Bears in 2017. He served as a solid counterpart for Prince Amukamara, and that allowed the team to field a solid defensive backfield. Fuller totaled a career high 22 passes defensed and two picks this season and when healthy, he profiles as a high level No. 2 corner or a low level No. 1 guy.
With the Redskins, Fuller could be added to play on the outside as a starter, or they could elect to use him as a slot man. It’s likely that he would have more success on the outside, and signing him would push Quinton Dunbar back into a reserve role. However, it would also allow the team to move Fabian Moreau into the slot and given his athleticism, that could work out well.
More from Commanders Free Agency
- Were Commanders free-agent moves hindered by ownership saga?
- 3 players the Commanders were smart to avoid in 2023 free agency
- 3 Commanders position groups that improved most in 2023 free agency
- 4 biggest surprises of Commanders free agency so far in 2023
- 4 prominent former Commanders still on the free-agent scrap heap in 2023
There would be two questions surrounding Fuller. The first is, how would he fit with the team? They Redskins don’t have an immediate need at outside cornerback and really need a slot man. Fuller would give them options, but there’s no guarantee that Fuller or Moreau would pan out as a slot man.
The other question is, would Fuller consider playing for the team that jettisoned his brother without telling him? That’s the bigger issue here. While Fuller would fit well with the team, the way the Redskins Kendall may be a major red flag for him. So, the likelihood of signing the elder Fuller is unlikely, though it could make sense.
When the Redskins didn’t need a cornerback, Patrick Robinson wasn’t a realistic possibility. They wouldn’t have spent money to sign him to essentially be a backup slot man, unless they chose to move Kendall Fuller outside. But, with Fuller gone, he is now becoming a more attractive option.
Robinson has finally found his place in the NFL as a bona fide slot corner. He spent a lot of time developing himself after being a first round pick by the New Orleans Saints, but the Eagles were really the team to unlock his potential.
Prior to the divisional round of the playoffs, I said the following of Robinson’s performance this year.
More from Riggo's Rag
- What will Emmanuel Forbes bring to the Washington Commanders?
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
"During the season, Robinson manned the slot corner position for the Eagles and played outside as well. He was among the best in the league at providing coverage across the field, and he graded out as the No. 4 overall corner in the league per Pro Football Focus. The stats would seem to back that up. This year, Robinson has tied a career high with four picks and tied a career high in passes defended with a whopping 18. He is doing a great job of following the ball, and he only committed two defensive penalties this season. Combining Robinson’s skill set, versatility, and willingness to play special teams will make him a dangerous player. He should do well on the open market."
That still rings true now. But this time, the team definitely needs to consider signing him. With a big need at slot corner, stealing a talented player from a divisional rival could pay off, so that would be a good investment. Robinson hasn’t always been consistent, but in his role as a slot guy, he could continue to succeed. For that reason, the Redskins have to go after him come March.
While Fuller was one of the best, young slot cornerbacks in the game, Aaron Colvin is solid in his own right. Colvin was the No. 3 corner and slot man for the Jaguars this past season, and he was very successful despite being picked on at times.
Due to the strong duo of A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey, opposing quarterbacks through a lot of passes at Colvin. That didn’t stop him from providing solid coverage and stopping opposing slot receivers. He graded out as an above average player, per Pro Football Focus, and he is just 26. He should continue to improve, especially as he gets further removed from the ACL surgery he had before his rookie season in 2014.
Colvin could be added to replace Fuller right away. He would start in the slot with Dunbar and Josh Norman outside, and that would give the Redskins a chance to field a competitive secondary. Fabian Moreau could eventually push Dunbar for a starting job, so that quartet would be a very good one.
Next: Redskins top five draft needs after Smith trade
The major appeal to Colvin is that he will be available at a cheaper price than most other options. He is versatile, but he hasn’t had to prove himself much in Jacksonville, so perhaps landing him on a short term, less expensive contract would be possible. The team has to keep an eye on him as the market develops, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Colvin with the Redskins if they target a corner on the free agent market.