Which free-agent cornerbacks could the Washington Commanders potentially target in 2023?
There is a lot of hard work ahead for the Washington Commanders this offseason. It’s been an impressive start overall thanks to releasing Carson Wentz, hiring Eric Bieniemy, and placing the franchise tag on Daron Payne, which is just the start of what will hopefully be a profitable preparation period for the organization.
The dark cloud of Dan Snyder remains, but that’s of no concern for Ron Rivera and other primary decision-makers right now. Their job is to focus on the football product and put the Commanders in the best possible position to launch a playoff bid in 2023.
One area that needs reinforcements is the cornerback spot. Bobby McCain’s recent release indicates help is on the way, which should arrive in multiple forms before OTAs arrive.
With this in mind, here are five free-agent cornerbacks the Commanders could sign in the coming weeks.
Cornerback No. 1
Commanders could sign Tre Flowers
The Washington Commanders need to get more physical, whether that’s on the outside or in the slot. Something that could lead them to Tre Flowers when the free-agent madness commences.
Flowers improved his coverage capabilities with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022, giving up 66.7 percent of targets and a measly 78.9 passer rating. He’s a player on the up and should be of interest given the Commanders’ huge need at the cornerback spot.
Commanders could sign James Bradberry
If the Washington Commanders wanted to go bolder with their upcoming signings – which they have the financial clout to do – then identifying one of the top cornerbacks set to hit the market cannot be ignored. In this scenario, they would also significantly weaken a division rival for good measure.
James Bradberry had a phenomenal campaign for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. He was cut loose by the New York Giants and immediately set about making them pay, forming one of the league’s best outside tandems alongside Darius Slay that played a leading role in their run to the Super Bowl.
Bradberry is looking for a lucrative deal this offseason. Something the former second-round selection richly deserves after such an outstanding season littered with memorable moments.
His previous connection to Ron Rivera from their time together on the Carolina Panthers means the transition would be smooth. Although there might be some bad blood with front office figure Marty Hurney, who opted to let him walk in 2020 free agency.
This would be an immediate upgrade on anything Washington has right now. Convincing Bradberry to join his third NFC East team might be a tough sell, so the Commanders might be banking on the player’s relationship with Rivera as the biggest tipping point.
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.
Commanders could sign Jamel Dean
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be entering a period of significant transition this offseason after legendary quarterback Tom Brady formally announced his retirement. For good, this time.
Those in power face some tough choices with money tight ahead of free agency. Something that could leave Jamel Dean looking for a new home when it’s all said and done.
This should put the Washington Commanders and others around the league on red alert. Dean is heading into his prime years and enjoyed the best campaign of his career by a considerable margin in 2022 at just the right time – something that should come with a lucrative payday in Tampa Bay or elsewhere.
Dean played a career-high 90 percent of snaps on offense, giving up 55.4% of his targets and an 86.0 passer rating. His ability against the run looked more assured than ever and the Buccaneers had no trouble using the Auburn product’s athleticism to good use in creative blitz packages when opportunities arose.
Providing his demands are not that high, Washington should make a call. Even though the Buccaneers will likely fight with everything they have to keep him around in some capacity.
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.