Commanders should keep these free agents on their radar ahead of Week 7

Recent moves show the Washington Commanders know they've got a problem or two at cornerback and defensive tackle. The latter issue has been created by the torn pectoral that's ruled Jonathan Allen out for the season. Problems in the secondary stem from the struggles of both a former first-round draft pick, as well as a disappointing addition in free agency this offseason.

Attempts to address both weaknesses led the Commanders to add nose tackle Carl Davis to the practice squad. They also worked out former All-Pro cover man Kyle Fuller this week, who hasn't played a competitive game since 2022 with the Baltimore Ravens.

They weren't the only defensive lineman and cornerback who worked out, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic.

Fortunately, what's left of the veteran market gives the Commanders more than one chance for a do-over at cornerback. There are several quality players still available, but general manager Adam Peters should focus his attention on a versatile Super Bowl winner who can play multiple spots in the secondary.

Peters can also find time to pair Davis with a more active defensive tackle. One whose pass-rush skills fit the schemes of head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

Hassan Ridgeway is a good scheme fit for Commanders

Hassan Ridgeway is well-traveled, having played on four teams since entering the NFL in 2016. His last two stops explain his fit for the Commanders.

The 29-year-old spent time with the San Francisco 49ers in 2022 and Houston Texans in 2023. Both teams run defenses built on a relentless four-man rush.

It's the same blueprint Quinn has used since his days calling plays for the famed 'Legion of Boom' with the Seattle Seahawks. The Commanders have struggled to put the theory into practice because they don't have enough dominant players up front.

Ridgeway wouldn't tick that box. But if he's healthy, the 29-year-old could make it easier to cope without Allen. Staying on the field has been a problem for a veteran, who had two stints on injured reserve with a torn Achilles ending his season prematurely last time around.

What Ridgeway can offer is the ability to play over the ball or head-up on either guard. He's also more of a force putting pressure on the pocket than either Davis or incumbent Phidarian Mathis. However, the Commanders also have second-rounder Johnny Newton to potentially fill that void.

Taking a chance on Ridgeway getting back into football shape while Allen is on the shelf is a low-stakes gamble worth the risk. So is making room for a savvy and flexible defensive back.

Jalen Mills can replace struggling Washington DBs

There's no escaping the Commanders' problems at cornerback. Those deficiencies are why Quinn and Whitt's man-coverage schemes were eviscerated by Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6.

Part of the issue was the inability of regular starter Benjamin St-Juste to stay with second-year wide receiver Zay Flowers. The latter feasted with nine first-half catches.

St-Juste is struggling, but it's not as if the Commanders have viable alternatives. Not when 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes Jr. can't even make the active list for gameday.

Playing plenty of man coverage during three seasons with the New England Patriots is another reason Jalen Mills would have a good chance to be active early for a Commanders pass defense allowing 8.1 yards per attempt.

Adding Mills would give the Commanders multiple potential solutions on the back end. He's played outside corner, in the slot, and even at safety during stops with the Philadelphia Eagles and Patriots, helping Washington's division rival lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2017.

Mills could add the toughness and smarts the Commanders expected to get from ex-Los Angeles Chargers starter Michael Davis. Unfortunately, he is hardly making a dent, playing a mere two snaps on defense in Baltimore.

Sitting idle and trusting what they have at cornerback is too big a risk for the Commanders. Especially while their defensive front is depleted by injury.

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