Commanders 'feel good' about secondary after 2026 NFL Draft
The Commanders didn't add a defensive back in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the team feels good about the current group. Here's why.
The Washington Commanders had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season. While they didn't finish dead last in all of the categories, you'd be hard-pressed to watch Washington's defense last season and name a worse unit. Dallas and Cincinnati fans could probably state a strong case, too, but the Commanders knew an offseason overhaul was needed.
Washington attacked free agency with an urgency to improve the defense, signing multiple players along the front seven, including edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, defensive tackle Tim Settle and linebacker Leo Chenal. The Commanders also added help in the secondary, signing cornerback Amik Robertson and safety Nick Cross. Washington's entire safety room returns from 2025, with Cross added to the mix.
At cornerback, the Commanders didn't re-sign Noah Igbinoghene or Jonathan Jones and released Marshon Lattimore. In addition to signing Robertson, who can play in the slot or on the outside, they also signed veteran Ahkello Witherspoon. Robertson and Witherspoon's additions gave Washington four cornerbacks with NFL experience, including returning starters Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos.
It was surprising that the Commanders didn't bring in another cornerback in the NFL draft. The Chiefs traded ahead of Washington at No. 6 to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, the draft's top corner.