5 free-agent cornerbacks the Commanders must consider immediately

Commanders must consider J.C. Jackson

If the Washington Commanders genuinely believe that they aren't far away from mixing with the potential playoff hopefuls, signing a high-profile free agent capable of slotting in immediately could be the play. It comes with significant risk, but someone with J.C. Jackson's on-field capabilities warrants a discussion.

Jackson is now eligible to participate in the regular season after being suspended one game for violating the league's substance abuse policy. It's been a steady decline for the player after his sensational season with the New England Patriots in 2021. His big-money move to the Los Angeles Chargers didn't pay off for the franchise and he's looking for another home after a brief return to Gillette Stadium in 2023.

Every remaining veteran on the market with the season underway comes with concerns attached. The Commanders would need to be sure Jackson is in the right headspace before making this move. But if the player could return to something like his old form, he'd be a significant upgrade on anything Washington has aside from perhaps Benjamin St-Juste.

Those days might be long gone. This would also go away from the way general manager Adam Peters has gone about his business so far. At the same time, it wouldn't cost the Commanders much to find out one way or another.

Commanders must consider Justin Bethel

Adam Peters hasn't made many splashy moves since becoming general manager. The Commanders gutted two-thirds of their roster during the first offseason under his leadership, but the former San Francisco 49ers executive was eager to keep the long-term in mind. He is unlikely to deviate from this plan despite the dire need for cornerback assistance.

That could lead the Commanders to someone like Justin Bethel. The three-time Pro Bowler was a consistent presence in his prime and an integral special teams force at his various stops. His production on the Miami Dolphins defensive rotation last time around didn't inspire confidence, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

If the Commanders decide they need extra on special teams, this becomes more likely. That's where Bethel excels despite the former sixth-round selection being 34 years old. This would be a cost-effective measure to potentially prove. However, there's also a chance he's fallen off the proverbial performance cliff.

Whichever way the Commanders go, they cannot stand pat and hope things get better. Only Mike Sainristil comes with a legitimate upside for those struggling. Peters is a shrewd evaluator, so that's unlikely to go unnoticed.

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