The Washington Commanders are in need of bolstering their cornerback (CB) position, and with the NFL draft and free agency period in full swing, it's time to explore potential options. While the team has already made some moves in free agency, there are still some intriguing names on the market who could be worth considering.
One such player is Jack Jones, a 28-year-old cornerback who has been a fixture in the NFL for a few seasons now. Jones has primarily played as an outside cornerback, and his string-bean frame might evoke memories of Emmanuel Forbes for some fans, but he is a much better player in all respects. His coverage skills are impressive, with a Rate of Yardage Allowed (Y/Cov Snap) of 0.62 in 2024, which is well below league average. Additionally, Jones is a feisty ball-hawk, as evidenced by his interception of Marcus Mariota's pass in Madrid last season, setting up Miami's game-winning field goal.
However, Jones' signing might send some Ron Rivera survivors to therapy, as he would be a good addition to the Commanders' secondary as the second starting outside corner. His press-man coverage skills could be an issue for the team, but his run support is also very good, which should make any defensive coordinator happy.
Another player to consider is Samuel Womack III, a 26-year-old cornerback who has been around the league since being drafted in the fifth round by the 49ers in 2022. Womack has mainly played as an outside cornerback and is facing an uphill climb to make the Jets' roster, which is two deep at all three positions following the offseason additions of Nashon Wright and D'Angelo Ponds. However, Womack has the athleticism and coverage ability to compete for a CB spot on the Commanders' 53-man roster, and given the team's weakness at the position, he might even be able to challenge for the second starting position.
Lastly, Terell Smith, a 26-year-old cornerback who was a fifth-round draft pick by the Bears in 2023, is also an intriguing option. Smith has played 26 games with 6 starts in his first two seasons, with good numbers in coverage and run defense. However, his 2025 season was derailed by a torn patellar tendon at the end of preseason, and he faces a challenge to retain his foothold in a crowded CB room following the addition of Malik Muhammad via trade-up in the fourth round of April's draft. Smith is a versatile CB who can play in press-man and zone coverage, and if he is a casualty of the numbers game in Chicago at roster cutdowns, he could be an intriguing late-preseason addition to the Commanders' CB lineup.
