April 4, 2026, 4:03 a.m. ET
The Washington Commanders still need help at cornerback. After releasing Marshon Lattimore and allowing Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene to depart in free agency, the Commanders signed Amik Robertson. Most recently, Washington added former 49ers, Steelers and Rams corner Ahkello Witherspoon.
As of now, when the Commanders begin their offseason program later this month, they’ll have projected starters Robertson, Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos, as well as Witherspoon. Washington also has roster hopefuls Car’lin Vigers, Tre Hawkins III, Qwuantrezz Knight, and Darius Rush.
They need more. That’s why several draft analysts project LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane to Washington at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Delane is absolutely in play for the Commanders, but it still feels like a long shot. General manager Adam Peters could definitely draft a corner with one of Washington’s six picks, but may choose to add another veteran for depth in 2026.
Witherspoon had a connection to Peters from their time in San Francisco. What if the Commanders add a cornerback with ties to head coach Dan Quinn?
Former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs is still a free agent. Washington was a popular destination pick for Diggs when the Cowboys placed him on waivers in December. That made no sense at the time. The Commanders were going nowhere, and it made zero sense to claim his contract. Instead, Diggs landed with the Green Bay Packers, but they moved on from him this offseason, too.
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It’s reasonable to ask if Diggs is finished. However, he’s only 27. His best two NFL seasons came in 2021 and 2022 when Quinn was his defensive coordinator. Diggs hasn’t been the same player since. But now, he’s not going to cost you a lot. He’s experienced depth at this point, with some intriguing upside. The Commanders would lose nothing by signing Diggs to a one-year deal at this point and allowing him to compete for a roster spot in training camp.
Washington needs more at cornerback. If Diggs is rejuvenated by reuniting with Quinn, he’s a bargain. If he doesn’t, you can cut him before Week 1. It’s a risk worth taking for Washington at this point.
The Commanders, or any team, are in no hurry to sign Diggs. At this point, it makes sense to wait until after the NFL draft. It makes sense for Diggs, too. All 32 NFL teams will have a better idea of what they need after the draft, and some of the top remaining free agents will have a better idea of any potential future landing spots.