After officially moving on from Marshon Lattimore, the Washington Commanders will have to add another cornerback in
The Washington Commanders pulled the trigger on the expected move of the offseason after electing to cut starting cornerback Marshon Lattimore after injuries and poor play proved to be the theme of his 1.5 seasons with the organization. The move was expected to add an additional $18.5 million in cap space, though Lattimore's injury designation could end up complicating the actual number with potentially $2.1 million allocated to the former Commander. Still, it marks a move that needed to be made with a dire need to upgrade the cornerback room with a starter-level addition needed alongside Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil set to return. So who are candidates to do exactly that? We take look at three free agents and one 2026 NFL Draft prospect:
Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay
For the first time in his career, Dean is set to hit free agency.
He's coming off a strong 2025 season where he graded as PFF's third-best cornerback across the league, registering a career-high three interceptions to pair with nine pass deflections. While the Commanders new defensive scheme under Daronte Jones may not be as complex as Vikings coordinator Brian Flores, Dean did well in Todd Bowles' complex defensive scheme to provide credence of the fit in Washington.
Dean allowed completions on just 49.2% of his targets while allowing a 63.1 passer rating when targeted. Dean has also battled injuries during his career as he has yet to play a full season in seven years in the NFL, but after agreeing to a restructured contract and less money ahead of 2025, he could get paid in 2026. ESPN ranks Dean as the 50th-best player available in free agency as Spotrac projects a three year, $37.4 million contract.
Mansoor Delane, LSU
The lone draft prospect mentioned, Delane would serve as a homecoming candidate for Washington given the former LSU and Virginia Tech played his high school ball at Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn, Md. after growing up in Silver Spring. But the homecoming angle would serve as a cherry on top of the selection because Delane is deserving with Washington set to select with the seventh overall pick.
Delane ended his college career as an All-American, an honor tabbed by five different outlets, and First Team All-SEC selection after becoming a key part of LSU's secondary success in 2025. A starter in 11 games in 2025, Delane allowed only 13 receptions all season for 147 yards and six first downs. He didn’t allow a passing touchdown and was targeted only 9.8% of the time with opponents completing just 37.1% of attempts.
While the front seven candidates, coupled with both Carnell Tate and Jeremiyah Love, drawing all the focus, Delane is as deserving of becoming the selection where he'd address a major need.
Jaylen Watson, Kansas City
The Chiefs could be focused on rebuilding the offense with Eric Bienemy back in the fold and Tyreek Hill seemingly a possibility, but whether they lose their star starting cornerback is also a big question mark. There's a belief that Watson could be one of the highest paid available cornerbacks this offseason.
Watson posted a pair of interceptions this season and allowed a 79 pass rating when targeted in 2025, giving up 501 yards and just one touchdown on 40 catches and 64 targets. If Washington materializes, he'd give the cornerback room an experienced option capable of covering the opposing team's opposite wideout to provide a clear upgrade to the top of the room. ESPN ranks Watson as the 13th-best player available in free agency as Spotrac projects a three year, $37.4 million contract.
Tariq Woolen, Seattle
After becoming a key part of the Seahawks' defense en route to a Super Bowl championship last month, a divorce with Woolen appears most likely as his contract expired.
Woolen has struggled with consistency during his time with Seattle, but his combo of size and length adds intrigue. The fourth-year cornerback is coming off a season where he posted just one interception, though added 12 pass deflections to register at least 11 in all four seasons in the league.
ESPN ranks Woolen as the 11th-best player available in free agency as Spotrac projects a one year, $8.2 million contract.
Others: Cor'Dale Flott, New York Giants; Josh Jobe, Seattle