Commanders Look to Bolster Secondary with Potential Free-Agent Pickup Before Season Opener
The Washington Commanders are still grappling with uncertainty at the cornerback position as they prepare for their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8. Despite an overhaul in leadership at the beginning of 2024, the Commanders’ defensive backfield remains a pressing concern.
Preseason games did little to settle the issue. In fact, ESPN’s John Keim pinpointed cornerback as the Commanders’ most glaring weakness heading into the new season. Both Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Benjamin St-Juste are under the microscope after inconsistent showings in camp.
“CBs Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Benjamin St.-Juste must improve from last season,” Keim wrote. “Their camp showing was spotty.”
While Washington struggles to solidify their cornerback rotation, a proven answer is available on the free-agent market: veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson. The 34-year-old former All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler could provide the immediate upgrade the Commanders desperately need.
Patrick Peterson Still Has Plenty to Offer
Peterson, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, remains a durable option despite his age. In 2023, he started 16 games for the Steelers and showed he still has a knack for making plays, with two interceptions and 11 pass deflections to his name. The previous season with the Minnesota Vikings, Peterson started all 17 games, demonstrating he can still handle the demands of being an every-down cornerback.
While he’s not the shutdown force he once was, Peterson’s experience, durability, and playmaking ability would be invaluable to the Commanders’ secondary. Rob Maadi of the Associated Press highlighted Peterson’s enduring durability, noting that the veteran has played every game in 11 of his 13 NFL seasons. Peterson has publicly stated his desire to continue playing, and it would be surprising if he isn’t on the field soon.
Commanders Need Stability in the Secondary
The Commanders’ troubles at cornerback begin with Forbes, their first-round pick in 2023, who struggled mightily in his rookie season. Forbes enters this season as a backup to St-Juste, who had a solid 2023 campaign with 16 starts. However, the Commanders doubled down on bolstering their secondary by drafting Michigan standout Mike Sainristil in the second round this year. Sainristil has already been listed as the team’s starting nickelback, and it’s likely only a matter of time before he plays a more prominent role in the defense.
Still, relying on unproven or inconsistent players could spell disaster for the Commanders, especially with a tough schedule ahead. A player of Peterson’s pedigree would bring stability, leadership, and a veteran presence to Washington’s defense.
PATRICK PETERSON WINS IT FOR THE @VIKINGS. #MINvsBUF pic.twitter.com/TXlgeYjYGM
— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2022
Why Patrick Peterson Is the Perfect Fit for Washington
Adding Peterson would not only solve the Commanders’ biggest defensive issue but also allow them to focus on developing their young corners like Forbes and Sainristil without throwing them into the deep end too quickly. Peterson’s experience could serve as a teaching tool for these younger players, while his playmaking ability would provide immediate returns on the field.
For a team with playoff ambitions and a revamped coaching staff, the Commanders can’t afford to enter the season with question marks at such a key position. Signing Patrick Peterson could be the missing piece to turn Washington’s secondary into a strength rather than a liability.
