The Washington Commanders bolstered their cornerback room in free agency with the signing of Jonathan Jones. With Noah Igbinoghene also returning on a one-year deal coupled with the presence of Marshon Lattimorre and Mike Sainristil, this looks like a competent quartet capable of providing improved production in 2025.
However, that shouldn't stop Adam Peters from exploring more options if the right opportunities present themselves.
One notable development around the league, in particular, warrants further investigation.
The Tennessee Titans are looking to cut costs and put themselves in a more profitable position under new general manager Mike Borgonzi. He comes into the franchise with a big reputation having played a significant role in the Kansas City Chiefs' front office. He's also wasted no time in displaying his ruthless approach to roster regeneration since taking the job.
Commanders could acquire Chidobe Awuzie following his release from the Titans
Another example of this came with Chidobe Awuzie's release after just one season. The cornerback penned a lucrative deal with the Titans last year but failed to meet expectations. Injury problems once again held him back — not for the first time in his once-promising career. Despite this, it might be worth the Commanders bringing him on board if the money is right.
Awuzie is a talented player when fit and firing on all cylinders. He's no stranger to the NFC East having spent the first four years of his professional career with the Dallas Cowboys before moving to the Cincinnati Bengals. This could also be a cost-effective move by the Commanders looking at the player's current career trajectory.
The former second-round pick out of Colorado is probably looking for a chance to prove himself with a team capable of contending immediately. Awuzie represents a high-risk signing with the injury red flags. At the same time, the rewards would be high if he maximized the opportunity and got a clear run of luck on the health front.
Washington's foursome of Lattimore, Sainristil, Jones, and Igbinoghene look capable of holding their own at the very worst. The Commanders have much more promise in the cornerback room compared to this time last year. If Awuzie did come into the fold, he'd have to fight his way into a role rather than being handed anything.
That is a challenge he's sure to relish. Awuzie is a competitive character who'd slot seamlessly into Washington's new culture shift. If the price is acceptable and he comes into the building with a renewed purpose, his credentials are already proven.
Awuzie will be 30 years old soon. This is another veteran who'd sign a one-year deal in this scenario. But after spending time with the NFL's worst team last season, going from Tennessee to Washington would no doubt bring an extra sense of urgency to his performance levels.
Peters is exploring every option. He's left no stone unturned this offseason, mixing short-term deals, key re-signings, and even two bombshell trades into his strategy. This is the time of year when value can be had in the veteran pool. Exploiting it accordingly is key.
Whether it's Awuzie or someone else, expect another dependable corner to arrive at some stage.