Commander Country

Commanders named top landing spot in NFL free agency for former 2nd round CB

The Washington Commanders may sign one of the top cornerbacks on the open market.
Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) walks the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) walks the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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The Washington Commanders are in need of another cornerback to add to the secondary this offseason.

Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox suggests that the Commanders should look into signing Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Asante Samuel Jr.

READ MORE: Washington Commanders hire grandson of Hall of Famer John Madden to coaching staff

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) reacts after the Chargers lost
Jan 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) reacts after the Chargers lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-30 during a wild card game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Samuel to D.C.?

"Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. does carry some noteworthy concerns into the 2025 offseason. Missed tackles have been an issue—he was credited with 12 in 2023—and he's coming off of a season-ending shoulder injury that limited him to four games in 2024," Knox writes.

"Samuel also appeared to be a less-than-ideal fit for defensive coordinator Jesse Minter's scheme before the injury.

"However, Samuel has performed extremely well in pass coverage in the past. He allowed an opposing passer rating of 87.4 in coverage last season and has allowed an opposing passer rating below 100.0 in all four of his pro seasons.

"At only 25 (26 in October), Samuel has plenty of time to establish himself as a premier cover corner."

Samuel has a lot of talent, and he also has connections to the Commanders coaching staff.

"The Commanders should also take a look at the 25-year-old. Washington relied on a lot of older vets in 2024 and should now be looking to add younger pieces to the puzzle. Defensive back coach Tom Donatell also served as the Chargers' secondary coach in 2023."

With Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil locked in for the 2025 season, the Commanders need one more solid piece in the cornerback room. Samuel would help Washington fill that void, which could help the Commanders make their way back to the NFC Championship.

READ MORE: Report says Commanders' NFC East Division rival selling minority stake in franchise

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

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• Did the Washington Commanders have the best 2024 rookie class?


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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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