Daronte Jones is sure to shake things up across the Washington Commanders' defense. Given how this unit has failed to meet even modest expectations over the last two years, no fan will be complaining about it.
Jones may have no NFL play-calling experience, but he's an accomplished coach who knows how to get the most out of his players. This is especially significant for the defensive backs, as the Minnesota Vikings regularly rank among the best in most pass defense metrics. That carries a lot of weight, and anyone not buying into his way of thinking will be shown the door.
If Jones plans to run elements of Brian Flores' defensive schematics in Washington, which is entirely possible, then versatility among the defensive backs is crucial. Having everyone in the secondary capable of switching alignments to confuse the offense, especially with the incorporation of more exotic blitz packages, will only help Washington's defense grow. Whether the desired options are in place right now is another matter.
Commanders hiring Daronte Jones raises the pressure on Will Harris to improve
This hire sends a not-so-subtle message to Will Harris. He's got the size to potentially carve out a role for himself, but the athleticism and explosive tendencies are lacking. Obviously, getting hurt early in his first season didn't help, but the veteran must show a lot more if he wants to keep his starting role under Jones' guidance.
Harris was hand-picked by the Commanders to replace Jeremy Chinn. Adam Peters let him walk in free agency, and he thrived with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. The general manager thought he could get similar production for cheaper. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
Jones is now entering an evaluation period. He'll spend countless hours watching film on Washington's defense before deciding on the next steps. The Commanders have numerous holes to fill. They need to get younger and more explosive across the board. And Peters would be wise to mold his recruitment around the defense he wants to deploy.
Almost everyone should be nervously looking over their shoulders. Harris is among those facing an uncertain future, especially with only one year remaining on his deal. Cutting him would save $3.76 million on the salary cap with only $1 million in dead money. That doesn't seem likely right now, but a lot can and will change now that Jones is in the building.
Even though the Commanders need to lean into a youth movement, they will still need experience. Harris is dependable with limitations. But if Washington can insulate him somehow within Jones' new system, all hope might not be lost.
Jones' arrival raises the stakes for everyone. Harris more than most, and it'll be interesting to see his response.