It came as no surprise to see the Washington Commanders make significant changes to their cornerback room this offseason. Departures were always coming, which meant general manager Adam Peters had to find the right replacements before the 2026 campaign.
Four-time Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore was released as expected. Jonathan Jones stays in the NFC East after agreeing to a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Noah Igbinoghene also walked in free agency, landing a superb opportunity with the newly crowned Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
The Commanders have only added Amik Robertson so far. He's experienced and versatile, but he's also undersized. More is required, and it'll be interesting to see what Peters has planned with options on the free-agent market dwindling.
Commanders could bring back Antonio Hamilton Sr. to increase competition
Washington needs at least two corners with starting-caliber promise. Adding to the team's depth is another requirement, which could lead Peters to bring back a risky free agent at some stage.
Antonio Hamilton Sr. had to wait patiently for his chance last season. He played in 15 games, but was primarily used on special teams. When the corner was given a chance to start in Week 15 against the New York Giants, he made it count.
Unfortunately, the coaching staff made him an afterthought again over the final three contests. This was bemusing, given how well Hamilton performed and how desperate Washington was for consistency in the secondary.
Hamilton is 33, so moving forward with aging players is something Peters is looking to avoid this offseason. At the same time, it wouldn't hurt the Commanders to bring him back as a cheap camp body with no guarantees attached.
The Commanders need bodies. They need depth and extra competition. Washington might be thinking younger, but with only six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, that might be difficult. Hamilton wouldn't be confirmed on the 53-man roster, but giving him the chance to compete on the vet minimum could be something Peters considers.
There is no doubt Hamilton would accept the opportunity to come back. He was well-liked in the locker room and always gave everything to the cause. There isn't much chance of him starting, given the presence of Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, and Robertson. Still, with Tre Hawkins III, Car'lin Vigers, and Darius Rush filling out the depth chart right now, bringing back the veteran once the dust settles seems feasible.
Time will tell. The Commanders have every right to move on from Hamilton entirely. But based on his Week 15 showing last season, he could have some solid football left.