Commanders veteran suddenly retires during training camp and it paves the way for a familiar face to join the team
The Commanders lost one of the veteran corners after he decided to retire during training camp, but signed an old friend to help take his place.
The Washington Commanders went through a small bit of roster turnover ahead of Tuesday’s training camp practice by placing veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon on the reserve/retired list.
The nine-year veteran told the team he’s calling it a career. He was drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers and had previous stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams before joining the Commanders back in March.
Witherspoon was competing for a depth position behind Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson, and Rasul Douglas.
As a result, the Commanders signed an old friend in veteran cornerback Fabian Moreau. Ironically enough, Moreau was drafted by Washington in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, himself. He finished out his rookie contract and the signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He played there for one season, then joined up with the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings.
And it’s Moreau’s last stop in the Vikings that played a big role in the Commanders adding him during training camp. Obviously, new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones ran the Vikings’ pass defense over the last couple of years, so Moreau has plenty of experience in his system.
“I think versatility,” Dan Quinn told reporters when asked about what Moreau brings to the table. “He’s got good playmaking experience, and so some of you also get to know him from (covering) the team in the past, fantastic teammate. So we’re very much looking forward to (having) him.
“He’s been somebody that we’ve obviously visited with for a while and have talked to, and so to get him to be part of the crew, were excited. They’re working just individual (drills) today, and we’ll start ramping him up. You know, in the days ahead.”
Moreau has recorded seven interceptions and 45 pass break-ups over the course of 124 games. He played in 18 games, logging 300 defensive snaps, with the Vikings, so he certainly has some decent experience in Jones’ system.
He’ll come in and like Witherspoon, will compete for a depth spot. It’ll be intriguing to see just how big, and quick, of an impact he makes when considering his previous experience.
