5 free-agent cornerbacks the Commanders could sign in 2023

Commanders could sign Patrick Peterson

The Washington Commanders might go after a short-term solution rather than examining those with better prospects long-term. They could do far worse than look at Patrick Peterson.

The All-Pro played at a relatively high level for the Minnesota Vikings last season without setting the world alight. But this does represent a risk given the player’s age and the fact Peterson is clearly not the force of old.

One thing Peterson would give the Commanders is leadership. He is a forceful presence within the locker room and this was matched by man coverage skills that restricted the opposition to a 59.6 percent success rate in 2022 for good measure.

There does appear to be some life left in the tank where Peterson is concerned. Although his days locking down No. 1 wide receivers might be a thing of the past, there’s nothing to suggest he couldn’t be a No. 2 or slot presence depending on what other acquisitions the Commanders make this spring.

At 32 years old, there’s just no telling when Peterson will fall off the proverbial cliff. But he is the consummate professional and takes his craft extremely seriously, which is the winning mentality Washington needs heading into Year 4 of Ron Rivera’s reign.