4 underrated moves that can propel Commanders playoff push in 2023
By Dean Jones
Commanders picked up Cameron Dantzler Sr.
The Washington Commanders had to do something at the cornerback position in free agency. Finding a long-term option via the 2023 NFL Draft is another strong possibility, but adding an experienced presence to provide immediate help was essential looking at the current depth chart.
An opportunity knocked for the Commanders when Cameron Dantzler Sr. was waived by the Minnesota Vikings. Washington snapped up the former third-round pick quickly, which brings overlooked intrigue and high-level upside in equal measure.
Dantzler struggled with the Vikings in 2022, but he wasn’t alone on a defense that just couldn’t get things going under Ed Donatell. The Mississippi State product enjoyed two solid first seasons in the league, which is consistency that the Commanders will be hoping he can regain under the expert guidance of Jack Del Rio.
There is no harm in seeing what Dantzler can bring to the secondary. If it doesn’t work out, then the Commanders can move on from the defensive back in 2024 once his contract expires with no financial repercussions whatsoever.
If Washington also lands one of the standout cornerback prospects emerging from the college ranks, a unit consisting of the pending rookie, Dantzler, Kendall Fuller, and Benjamin St-Juste can make a big-time difference to the Commanders’ chances of making the postseason.