Commanders reunite with familiar face to help solve roster issue that could easily bite them during the 2026 season
The Commanders still need a lot of help in the secondary after free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. They’re hoping a reunion with Antonio Hamilton Sr. can help that, to a certain extent.
The Washington Commanders wrapped up rookie minicamp over the weekend and now the next step is integrating the new guys and the veterans.
The Commanders will have a familiar face back in the mix once that happens. Washington announced Monday that it signed cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. to a contract. Hamilton Sr. joined the team via its practice squad in late August and was eventually signed to the active roster in October.
From that point on, Hamilton Sr. played 115 defensive snaps for the Commanders. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed 11 receptions, 82 yards, and recorded a pass break up on 17 targets. He didn’t pick anyone off, but he didn’t allow a touchdown, either. Overall, opposing quarterbacks produced a 76.1 QB rating when throwing Hamilton Sr.’s way.
Terms of the deal are currently unknown.
He was also pretty solid when defending the run. Hamilton Sr. isn’t going to become a lockdown corner by any means, but he can at least provide a slight sense of stability in the cornerback room.
Commanders still need help at cornerback and safety
As stated, the Hamilton Sr. move is strictly a depth conversation. That doesn’t change the fact the Commanders still need to add better options in the secondary, as a whole.
Adam Peters and Co. have clearly scoured the free agency market over the last couple of months and their lack of movement signals a lack of interest in the available players. Sure, there’s always the possibility they wanted to get through the draft and go from there. But the longer they wait, they less likely it is they get what they need.
And let’s be clear: No one expects the Commanders to go out and try and make a big trade or blockbuster move or anything like that. We’re talking a solid signing that involves someone who could truly come in and upgrade the positions. Even if it’s just a minor upgrade.
Because right now, the secondary is in trouble if Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, or Amik Robertson go down. The same goes for the safety position regarding Nick Cross, Will Harris, and Quan Martin. On top of that, we don’t know how those guys will perform, themselves, after a tough 2025 season. Cross excluded, of course.
At this point, my guess is any notable move will come post-roster cuts in August. We’ll see if that holds through or if the Commanders add another veteran before then.