Commanders cornerbacks (6)
- Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones, Trey Amos, Noah Igbinoghene, Car'lin Vigers.
The Washington Commanders made some shrewd investments in their cornerback room this offseason. Hopefully, this has the desired effect, and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.'s secondary can cope with some outstanding passing attacks on the schedule.
Two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones brings experience and proven production on the biggest stages. The Commanders also drafted Trey Amos at No. 61 overall, who was projected to be a first-rounder but slid due to a minor back issue that popped up during his pre-draft assessments.
Marshon Lattimore's fortunes will make or break this unit. The four-time Pro Bowler struggled last season due to a hamstring injury that he couldn't shake off. With a prolonged period to recover and a full offseason with the squad, he should return to his old form.
The Commanders have a sensation on their hands in Mike Sainristil, who could be deployed more in the nickel if Amos establishes himself immediately. Noah Igbinoghene should occupy a spot on the rotation, and it wouldn't be a shock if undrafted free agent Car'lin Vigers does enough to make the squad.
Commanders safeties (5)
- Quan Martin, Will Harris, Percy Butler, Tyler Owens, Jeremy Reaves.
There are a couple of concerns surrounding Washington's roster currently. The gravest one is their edge rushing options. Their most underrated potential complication is on the defensive backend.
The Commanders opted not to bring back Jeremy Chinn in free agency. He enjoyed a standout campaign with the squad in 2024, but general manager Adam Peters decided that he wasn't worth the money being offered to him by the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.
Will Harris was signed to fill the void. He's not as explosive, but he could fill the void effectively with a smooth integration over the summer.
This is a big third season in Washington for Quan Martin. He's now the alpha in the safety room. Another encouraging move forward might see a new contract emerge ahead of time.
Tyler Owens has the physical scope to emerge as a core rotational piece with sufficient development this offseason. Percy Butler should be around in the final year of his deal, and Jeremy Reaves' special-teams prowess indicates he'll also be on the roster.
Commanders special teams (3)
- Matt Gay (PK), Tress Way (P), Tyler Ott (LS).
There is another new kicker in Washington next season. It looked like former seventh-round pick Zane Gonzalez would get a shot at winning the starting job again after getting a new one-year deal. Adam Peters had something else in mind when an opportunity presented itself.
The Commanders signed Matt Gay and immediately released Gonzalez. They also gave him the most guaranteed one-year money for a kicker in NFL history. That's a supreme vote of confidence, but it also raises expectations that must be met.
Tress Way, the team's longest-serving player, is back for another go-around. The punter is highly respected in the locker room and beloved among the fan base. He's also still performing at a high level, which almost guaranteed he'd get another deal this offseason.
Long-snapper Tyler Ott provided stability at an important time. The Commanders are expecting the same trend to continue when the 2025 season arrives.