The Washington Commanders let one of the team's standout performers last season take his chances elsewhere. Although disappointing to some sections of the fanbase, general manager Adam Peters moved swiftly to find a cost-effective replacement.
Jeremy Chinn gained 117 tackles for the Commanders in 2024. The dynamic backfield force galvanized his career after things fizzled out with the Carolina Panthers. It was widely reported that Washington and the former second-round pick were working towards a new deal, but it wasn't to be.
The Las Vegas Raiders swooped to make Chinn an offer he couldn't refuse, signing a two-year deal in the desert. This was somewhat surprising, but Peters isn't going to overpay for anybody despite what the player gave to the organization during a memorable run to the NFC Championship game.
Commanders act with conviction to secure Jeremy Chinn contingency plan
Washington wasn't on the back foot for long. Peters had a successor in mind to go alongside Quan Martin, reportedly signing Will Harris to a two-year, $8 million deal that could rise to $10 million with incentives.
Harris is a six-year NFL veteran who spent last season with the New Orleans Saints after five campaigns with the Detroit Lions. He's cut from a similar cloth as Chinn, boasting the versatility to play either safety spots and even help out at the defensive second level when required.
Like Chinn, the former third-round pick out in the 2019 NFL Draft struggles in coverage on occasion. Harris is much better when he's allowed to be instinctive. In that sense, he's a ready-made replacement for the recent departure.
This shouldn't prevent them from adding another prolific safety to the ranks at some stage. The Commanders might want to see more of what they have in-house. At the same time, Peters cannot leave anything to chance in his quest to get Washington among the playoff challengers for a second straight year.
After two notable splashes to fortify the trenches, this is the sort of signing Commanders fans should expect moving forward. Once the initial marquee names come off the table, that's where value can be had. And with Washington being an attractive destination again after decades of languishing in disgrace, Peters would be wise to seize this opportunity with both hands.
It'll be interesting to see how Harris fits into the team's plans. Chinn was explosive and dynamic, making some huge plays during his only campaign for the franchise. His loss represents another hole that must be filled, but Peters is confident the Boston College product's similar traits can more than compensate.
There is a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead, but things are coming together nicely where the Commanders are concerned. And Peters is just getting started on the second phase of his roster regeneration.
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