The Miami Dolphins have lost their top cornerback, Rasul Douglas, to the Washington Commanders in free agency.
The Miami Dolphins have undergone a massive overhaul to both their front office and roster this offseason. It has been a whirlwind few months for the organization, and the changes continue as the team reshapes its future heading into the 2026 season.
The Dolphins did not offer Rasul Douglas a contract, and he has now signed with the Washington Commanders. Douglas plans to sign a one-year deal with the Commanders.
The deal is projected to be worth up to $3.8 million.
Losing Douglas is another blow to the Dolphins already thin cornerback room.
Like most of the team, the cornerback room is undergoing a massive, unproven youth movement. The loss of Douglas will put a ton of pressure on that room, in particular, their first-round rookie, Chris Johnson.
Johnson will likely be the top player in that room and will be an immediate starter in Week 1.
Outside of their promising rookie, things are looking bleak for the Miami corners.
The group lacks proven depth and is made up largely of reclamation projects and developmental prospects. Players competing for snaps and roster spots include Storm Duck (who is currently injured), JuJu Brents, Jason Marshall Jr., Marco Wilson, Ethan Bonner, and Alex Austin.
As things stand, Miami's cornerback room remains one of the roster's biggest question marks heading into the 2026 season.
Duck suffered a significant season-ending knee injury in October 2025. He was sidelined during OTAs and minicamp. His status for training camp remains unclear; however, he was spotted riding a stationary bike on the sidelines as he continues his extensive rehab.
If Duck can be ready by Week 1, the Dolphins cornerback room could be in a solid spot.
The Dolphins would have been in a better spot if they were able to retain Douglas. The 30-year-old was their best defensive back and arguably their best defensive player.
According to Pro Football Focus, Douglas had an overall grade of 72.7, ranking 21st among qualified cornerbacks, collected two interceptions, nine pass breakups, and allowed a 72.6 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks.
Douglas also surrendered 41 receptions in coverage and contributed 47 solo tackles in run support and open-field situations.
Prior to the 2025 season, the former West Virginia product signed a one-year deal with Miami. He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 14 against the New York Jets.
The Commanders will be Douglas’ sixth team of his career.
Douglas has started in 93 games in his nine-year NFL career. The former Super Bowl champion has 21 career interceptions.
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