Adam Peters has been busy molding the Washington Commanders’ roster to the new standards set during the previous campaign. It’s been an eventful few weeks and improvements were made, but there are still holes that must be addressed before preparations for the 2025 season begin.

The Commanders have $22.57 million in available salary-cap space currently. They’ll hold some back for any in-season moves, but it would be a surprise if more additions from the veteran pool didn’t arrive with Washington only having five selections in the 2025 NFL Draft.

An area where the Commanders could be looking for one more proven performer is at cornerback. Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil are the proven starters. Noah Igbinoghene performed well in the slot last season and got a new one-year deal. Washington also acquired Jonathan Jones, who brings experience and a winning mentality that should slot seamlessly into Dan Quinn’s locker room culture.

This has the potential to be a productive quartet if everyone stays clear of injury. That didn’t stop one analyst from highlighting the Commanders as a prime landing spot for arguably the best-remaining cornerback on the open market.

Kristopher Knox from The Bleacher Report tabbed Asante Samuel Jr. as a viable possibility for the Commanders before the draft. The analyst highlighted an injury concern that has put teams off up to this point. However, the gifted defensive back would have a friend in the building to vouch for his credentials and smooth the transition to a different environment.

“Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. likely remains available because of health concerns. According to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, the stinger injuries that Samuel dealt with in 2024 have been a persistent ailment that the cornerback was “born with.” Samuel appeared in only four games last season because of the condition. Samuel would also fit well with the Washington Commanders. Washington doesn’t have a dire need for defensive backs after ranking third in passing yards allowed last season. However, defensive backs coach Tommy Donatell was Samuels’ secondary coach in L.A. for his first three seasons.”

Kristopher Knox

Everything must be checked out on the health front before this becomes more realistic. Samuel’s stinger complications are an ongoing concern — something he’s learned to live with and carve out a productive career for himself. The player’s competitive fire and willingness to take on the biggest challenges are traits Quinn always looks for, so there are far worse avenues the Commanders could go down.

Peters faces a waiting game from No. 29 overall in the draft. He’ll have a plan for every eventuality and several worthy candidates on his shortlist. But the more holes that get filled beforehand, the more freedom he has to take the best player available or navigate some trade-downs for additional capital.

Samuel is a fantastic player at the peak of his powers. The former second-round pick’s time on the field abruptly ended after four games last season, but his production over his first three years leaves reasons for encouragement.

The Florida State product still being on the market at this stage of free agency could work in Washington’s favor. Samuel might be more willing to accept an incentivized deal to join a contender. Accepting a one-year, prove-it contract with the promise of more to come would round off the Commanders’ cornerback room nicely.

Whether it comes to fruition or not is another matter.

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