Commanders should take flier on 2-time Super Bowl champion cornerback
· Yahoo Sports
After one week of free agency, there's no doubt that the Washington Commanders have improved their roster. Washington had so many holes ahead of free agency that it was almost impossible to fill each and every one. General manager Adam Peters has attacked almost every position on the roster, signing 12 outside free agents thus far and bringing back several key internal free agents.
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The Commanders still need a center, although Nick Allegretti could start there in Week 1. Washington will probably add a center in the 2026 NFL Draft. Wide receiver remains a significant need, and the Commanders still need another running back. But the one position that stands out among them all is cornerback.
Washington's cornerback play was abysmal last season. New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is a defensive backs coach. He should be able to help the returning players, such as Mike Sainristil. The Commanders also signed veteran Amik Robertson, who can play inside or outside.
It's not enough. Three of Washington's top cornerbacks from last season are gone. The Commanders released Marshon Lattimore. Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene departed as free agents. In fairness to Peters, he probably didn't make an attempt to bring back Jones or Igbinoghene. Remember Trey Amos, Washington's top cornerback as a rookie before his injury, returns.
Again, that's not enough. With the top free-agent cornerbacks gone, Peters will need to take a chance or two.
How about L'Jarius Sneed?
At first glance, the answer would be a resounding no. The Tennessee Titans traded multiple draft picks for Sneed after the Kansas City Chiefs placed the franchise tag on him. Then, the Titans signed him to a four-year, $76 million contract.
In return, Sneed gave the Titans 12 games, 49 tackles and zero interceptions. When he was on the field, he wasn't good. Tennessee made two big cornerback signings in free agency and cut Sneed in a salary cap move. He's now free.
The 6-foot-1 Sneed is 29 years old and was one of the NFL's best cornerbacks in 2023. Was that a fluke? Did Kansas City foresee that he couldn't maintain that level of play? That's possible. While Pro Football Focus isn't the most defining metric, it's a part of the evaluation. And PFF gave Sneed a 50.4 overall grade in 2025, which was 104th out of 114 qualifying cornerbacks. In 2024, he received a 36.3 grade — 117th out of 117 qualifying cornerbacks.
Was he THAT bad, or was he just a bad fit for that system?
Here's the deal. Washington needs to take chances. Sneed isn't going to earn much more than the veteran's minimum in an effort to get his career back on track. Why not take a chance on Sneed? Sign him to a one-year deal, and if he looks bad in training camp, cut him.
The Commanders have few options at cornerback outside of their current top three, and there are still questions surrounding Sainristil.
Does Sneed get away from the offseason strategy of getting "younger and faster"? Somewhat, yes, but on a one-year, veteran-minimum type of deal, it's worth a shot. There is no risk here. Sneed's best days could be very well behind him, but if he is healthy and can pass a physical, someone is giving him an opportunity. Why not Washington?
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Take a chance on CB L'Jarius Sneed?