Commanders veteran reveals why he picked Washington over a playoff contender that was offering him more money
The obvious, ultimate goal of the new Washington Commanders regime is to win a Super Bowl, but in Year 1, a major objective is bringing in the right guys who can not only help the team compete during the early years of a rebuild – but establish the right culture, or set the tone, in […]
The obvious, ultimate goal of the new Washington Commanders regime is to win a Super Bowl, but in Year 1, a major objective is bringing in the right guys who can not only help the team compete during the early years of a rebuild – but establish the right culture, or set the tone, in the locker room and on the field.
A big part of that was hiring Dan Quinn, who is not only considered one of the top defensive minds in the NFL, but he's a genuinely good guy who does things the right way. That's been evident over his past three years in Dallas and even in Atlanta, where he guided the Falcons to Super Bowl LI as head coach back in 2016.
Quinn knows what he's looking for in his players and it's reciprocated from their end, as well. They know what they're getting when they play for him and his résumé speaks for itself: If you're playing in a Dan Quinn defense, whether it be the Legion of Boom or the recent product out of Dallas – you've gotta shot to make some big plays.
That's exactly why veteran safety and the runner-up to 2019's Defensive Rookie of the Year award, Jeremy Chinn, chose the Commanders over the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency.
"I can't remember if it was a multi-year deal, but I did get another offer," Chinn said on SiriusXM. "I think Pittsburgh was probably a little more money, but the situation here with [head coach] Dan Quinn and [defensive coordinator] Joe Whitt Jr. and [defensive pass game coordinator] Jason Simmons and [defensive backs coach] TD [Tommy Donatell] – this is where I'm supposed to be, man. This is where I'm supposed to be."
"…Just seeing his defenses thrive and how people have played in those defenses… So, just really, relationships and the coaching staff was a big part of it for me," Chinn said after Wednesday's OTAs session.
For Chinn to choose Washington over a playoff contender in Pittsburgh – it really shows how Quinn has built his reputation of not just a "player's coach", but a coach that maximizes the potential of those who play for him. Chinn has shown plenty of flashes throughout his career and if he has a big year in 2024, it could lead to a fat contract in 2025. Either with the Commanders, or elsewhere.
And, it's not like he would've been competing for a backup job in Pittsburgh, or anything. They currently need a player like Chinn to roam the box and drop back in coverage/man up on guys, when needed. There's a very good chance he would've won a starting gig, there. That only adds to the decision.
Chinn turning down Pittsburgh for Washington is interesting for multiple reasons. Other than the obvious state of each franchise, Chinn was all but guaranteed a starting role in the secondary.
The Steelers started Keanu Neal for the majority of the season before a knee injury that placed him on I.R. and returning safety Damontae Kazee is currently viewed as more of a backup FS.
The Steelers ended up signing DeShon Eliott who has been running with the first team throughout OTAs. Chinn would certainly be doing the same if he choose the higher offer from Pittsburgh. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh
Lastly, not only does just the thought of playing under Quinn appeal to players, but it also shows they're bought-in, right off the bat. If the offseason additions have the same mindset as Chinn, and there's practically zero reason to think they don't, then the Commanders might get this rebuild off to a quicker start than they -and others- expect them to.
Chinn should play a big role on defense
Quinn and Whitt Jr. are notorious for using three safeties more than most teams and that should be the case with Chinn, Quan Martin, and Jeremy Reaves in 2024.
"We'll play where there are three safeties on the field, at times," Quinn told reporters when asked about the Martin-Chinn tandem. "And that position has some flow to it. Quan has experience playing nickel and down by the line of scrimmage. Jeremy can come from the top-down and play over tight ends. So, there are unique things they have [and] that's what this part of the year is for – is to find those unique things. I've been really impressed by the two of them, their communication together, but they're not the only ones. You know, you're seeing different guys in different combinations and we'll continue to do that."
That factor, along with the versatility of rookie Mike Sainristil, should make the Commanders secondary a very interesting unit to watch next week during minicamp.
Commanders OTAs: Dan Quinn points out key factor in Jayden Daniels’ growth over the past few weeks
The Washington Commanders are back on the OTAs train after a week off, so naturally, there was plenty to ask Dan Quinn and co. when they spoke with the media on Wednesday. And, naturally, there were plenty of questions about Jayden Daniels and how much he's progressed since the Commanders held rookie minicamp on May […]
