Commanders could sign Chidobe Awuzie
Things are looking up in the cornerback room. The Washington Commanders signed productive veteran Jonathan Jones in free agency and re-upped with Noah Igbinoghene for another campaign. With Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil spearheading the secondary, this quartet provides more encouragement.
That shouldn't stop Adam Peters from adding to the unit if the right opportunity comes along. Chidobe Awuzie comes with plenty of baggage, but that's typically the case with most free agents still sitting on the market at this juncture.
Awuzie was a big-money signing for the Tennessee Titans in 2024. Injuries derailed his ability to make any lasting contribution and new general manager Mike Borgonzi made the defensive back a salary-cap casualty as part of his roster shake up.
The former second-round selection has given up just 52.6 percent of his targets over the last three seasons. Awuzie conceded an 86.3 passer rating when targeted, which is pretty decent all things considered.
That indicates there's still something left in the tank. Keeping the player healthy is the tricky part these days, but the Commanders would use him as a rotational piece to complement the options at their disposal currently.
Peters could look towards the draft for another cornerback. But with only five selections at his disposal, signing Awuzie isn't a bad consolation prize.
Commanders could sign Shaq Thompson
The Commanders have held firm at the linebacker position throughout the offseason so far. This doesn't come as a great shock, especially considering they moved swiftly to re-sign Bobby Wagner after an influential first year in Washington both on and off the field.
Wagner will lead from the front once again. Frankie Luvu provides an energetic presence. The Commanders also have high hopes for Jordan Magee despite an injury-plagued rookie campaign.
If the Commanders decide more is needed, checking in on Shaq Thompson's status wouldn't be the worst idea in the world. The Carolina Panthers ended the former first-round pick's decade-long association with the team this offseason. He's a highly productive performer and an exceptional leader within the locker room. However, some major red flags must be examined before this becomes more realistic.
Thompson broke his fibula after two contests during the 2023 campaign. He returned to full fitness this season but disaster struck with a torn Achilles after just four games. That's not exactly ideal for someone on the wrong side of 30 years old.
The Washington graduate is confident he's got a lot of good football left. This would cost the Commanders nothing more than the vet minimum for a decent contributor with a point to prove. Thompson also knows Luvu well from their time together in Carolina, which would smooth the transition in this scenario.