5 free-agent cornerbacks the Commanders could sign in 2023

Commanders could sign Rock Ya-Sin

If the Washington Commanders want someone with a little more upside than a savvy veteran, then examining Rock Ya-Sin‘s contribution since entering the NFL should be considered. The No. 34 overall selection in 2019 has had a rough time due to injuries, but it’s far too soon to be writing him off just yet after an encouraging campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022.

Ya-Sin looked to have found a decent enough role within the Raiders’ defense, conceding 60.9 percent of his targets and an 82.6 passer rating. The one-time Temple stud displayed disciplined coverage in the face of some exceptional wideouts in the AFC West and going up against Davante Adams every day in practice is sure to have assisted his cause greatly.

Signing someone like Ya-Sin wouldn’t prevent the Commanders from taking a cornerback prospect in the early rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft. The class is especially deep at the top end, so adding a veteran could ease the burden of whatever college recruit comes into the fold.

There’s a lot to like about Ya-Sin’s physical approach, which helps against the run despite some missed tackle concerns last time around. With that being said, this looks like a solid scheme fit for Jack Del Rio’s system and one that would be relatively cheap compared to some of the more coveted free agents at the position.

Only time will tell, obviously. But this is a position that needs one or two capable bodies before the Commanders congregate for OTAs.