Commanders free-agent signing draws inspiration from franchise legend

The Washington Commanders are providing Jeremy Chinn with an opportunity to prove he's still capable of being a top-level performer. The standout safety took the league by storm as a rookie with the Carolina Panthers in 2020, but things declined after that. He was an afterthought when Ejiro Evero became his defensive coordinator last season and was ready for a fresh start from a long way out.

Chinn's made a positive impact in a short space of time this offseason. He's occupying a starting safety position alongside Quan Martin in Washington's core base defense under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. at training camp. His athleticism and physical approach look tailor-made for the team's new schematic concepts. The former second-round pick also revealed he's taking inspiration from a franchise legend in pursuit of greatness in 2024.

Jeremy Chinn became inspired by Commanders legend Sean Taylor as a child

During an interview after practice with Natalie Spala from 7 News DC, Chinn revealed that he looked up to Sean Taylor growing up. Now, he's keen to leave his own mark on the Commanders next season and potentially beyond. Something he believes can finally provide excitement to a fanbase that's been dragged through the mud in recent years.

"Just being around the fanbase for the small amount of time that I have been, it goes way back. We definitely want to bring some new excitement to this area. Very historic. A lot of great history. I grew up a big Sean Taylor fan, so, you know, when I think of the Washington Commanders, you know, I relay it back to No. 21. "

- Jeremy Chinn

Taylor's tragic ending doesn't detract from his immense legacy. The hard-hitting safety remains idolized among the fanbase - especially with those who were fortunate enough to see him play. Nobody will ever replace the former Miami star, but Chinn is looking to use his story as a motivational tool to also become beloved among the team's long-suffering support.

The Commanders believe they have something special with Chinn. Those in power preferred his athletic intangibles to Kamren Curl, who was allowed to sign for the Los Angeles Rams without being offered a new deal. It's early days and there are some slight concerns about his coverage ability, but Quinn and Whitt have a plan to maximize his skill set and get the Southern Illinois product back on track.

It's not hard to see how Taylor influenced Chinn. He plays with the same reckless abandon and isn't afraid to dish out punishment. It's a little more contained thanks in no small part to the NFL's ever-changing rules to improve safety, but the explosiveness and instincts are similar.

Expecting Chinn to reach Taylor's exceptional level is unfair and unlikely in equal measure. However, if the defensive back can adopt the same mindset, the Commanders will have a tremendous player on their hands.

This is a redemption year for Chinn. The Commanders gave him a prove-it deal in free agency with the promise of something more if things go well. If he can't thrive under the outstanding guidance of Quinn and Whitt, the consequences to his career will be severe.

For now, the signs couldn't be more positive. And the importance of following in Taylor's footsteps is a responsibility Chinn intends to take extremely seriously.

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