The Washington Commanders were never going to keep all their pending free agents after a disastrous 2025 campaign that raised more questions than answers about the team's direction. But for one departure, it turned out to be a blessing.
According to Michael-Shawn Duger of The Athletic, cornerback Noah Igbinoghene has signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks. This brings an end to his two-year stint in Washington, which always seemed the likeliest scenario.
Igbinoghene came to the Commanders in 2024, following head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. from the Dallas Cowboys. He performed relatively well when called upon, especially when tasked with nickel duties. This was enough for another one-year commitment this offseason.
Noah Igbinoghene lands on his feet after inevitable Commanders departure
The 2020 first-round pick out of Auburn found things more difficult in 2025. Igbinoghene played just 353 snaps on a decimated defense. He failed to generate the consistency needed to firmly impose himself, conceding a 90.2 passer rating when targeted. His 55.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 83rd out of 114 qualifying cornerbacks around the league.
General manager Adam Peters wasn't going to fight too hard to keep Igbinoghene this time around. One could have forgiven the defensive back for feeling anxious about his next stop, but the newly crowned Super Bowl champions came calling instead.
The Seahawks dominated almost everyone in their path last season en route to hoisting the Vince Lombardi trophy. This came with the inevitable alluring glances from elsewhere, leading the club to lose some influential figures from its championship team in free agency.
Standout safety Coby Bryant and cornerback Riq Woolen both signed decent deals with other organizations. Edge rusher Boye Maye signed for the Cincinnati Bengals on a three-year, $60 million deal. That doesn't guarantee Igbinoghene will have an important role to play, but it gives him a fighting chance of making his presence felt.
Igbinoghene might not have ever met his first-round billing, but he's got the length, size, and athleticism that still intrigue teams. It's also what the Seahawks lost when Woolen joined the Philadelphia Eagles, and it's probably not costing head coach Mike Macdonald much to find out whether he still has some untapped potential.
As for the Commanders? They still need more in their cornerback room. Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos could be the team's starting boundary options. Washington signed Amik Robertson to begin free agency, who could be a key rotational piece with the versatility to play outside or in the nickel. And it would be a huge surprise if another difference-maker wasn't acquired at some stage, depending on what opportunities present themselves.
Those plans no longer include Igbinoghene, whose relationship with the Commanders had clearly run its course.