General manager Adam Peters has explored every imaginable avenue to secure the desired upgrades this offseason. Free agency was extremely eventful for the Washington Commanders, with 13 new signings joining the club so far.
This was desperately needed. But according to one recent report, Peters is still scouring the market for improved competition in key positions before the 2026 NFL Draft.
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the Commanders are bringing in veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon for a visit on Thursday. He is no stranger to Peters, who was part of the San Francisco 49ers front office that took him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Colorado.
Commanders flirting with Akhello Witherspoon move despite concerning injury history
Witherspoon has the size and length that defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is looking for in his boundary corner options. Two of the three projected starters currently — 2024 second-round pick Mike Sainristil and free-agent signing Amik Robertson — are undersized. More physicality is required if Washington doesn't want this unit to become a weak link.
When Witherspoon is firing on all cylinders, there is a lot to like. He's given up 55.3 percent of targets throughout his career, thanks to his wide wingspan and anticipation. This makes it difficult for opposing wide receivers to achieve the desired leverage, which the Commanders consistently lacked in 2025.
There is one massive problem that has blighted Witherspoon throughout his career. Simply put, he cannot seem to stay healthy.
Every time he begins to generate any semblance of positive momentum, another complication surfaces. Witherspoon's big move to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021 was ruined by health problems. Things looked a little better during his first two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, but the same complications surfaced once again last time around.
Witherspoon also recently turned 31. Even though he's got less tread on the tires than most his age around the league, expecting miracles would be unrealistic if the Commanders are impressed enough during the meeting. Peters is light on corners, and he doesn't want to chase during the draft. Considering the minimal financial ramifications attached, it wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
He's always had talent. Witherspoon needed a little bit of luck when his career was taking off, and he didn't get it. The fact that he's stuck around despite countless injury setbacks speaks volumes about his professionalism and perseverance — two traits the Commanders will need in their locker room if they want to bounce back next season.
Peters knows him well. And if he didn't think Witherspoon could make his presence felt, he wouldn't be wasting the player's time.
Watch this space...