4 free agents Commanders must consider after the 2024 NFL Draft

Commanders could sign Stephon Gilmore

The Washington Commanders got one of the best pound-for-pound players in the 2024 NFL Draft on Day 2. Mike Sainristil projects to be the team's STAR option according to general manager Adam Peters. This means Quan Martin is likely moving to his college position of safety to provide the backend with an extra sense of athleticism.

There's no doubt Sainristil is going to be a tremendous player. However, if Peters is correct about how the former Michigan team captain will be deployed in the pros, the Commanders have the same concerns with their outside cornerback tandem of Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes.

Forbes and St-Juste could improve under the expert guidance of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr., but there's just no telling for sure. It would be wise for the Commanders to bring in a dependable veteran piece capable of picking up the slack. It just so happens that someone with previous connections to the coaching staff is still sitting on the market.

It's a surprise to see Stephon Gilmore remain unsigned. The former NFL Defensive Payer of the Year performed well under Quinn last season with the Dallas Cowboys. His production remains assured despite his advancing years. There's just no telling what a player such as this would be able to do for the development of younger corners on the roster, too.

This makes a ton of sense, but Gilmore might also have his sights set elsewhere. He's reportedly keen on joining the Carolina Panthers and playing closer to home despite his acrimonious departure from the franchise in 2021. Nothing has been set in stone just yet, but the interest is said to be mutual if the financial aspect works for all parties.

It wouldn't hurt the Commanders to put in a call to see if Gilmore would be interested in linking back up with Quinn and Whitt. They also have the means to throw decent money in his direction to get this possible deal over the finishing line.