Commanders’ under-the-radar free agent target is their long-term answer at an uncertain position
The Commanders have a clear CB target when free agency begins now that he’s officially looking for a new home this offseason.
The Washington Commanders are ready to get active in free agency, but they’ll only sign players they feel are a good fit for what they need.
It’s been reported that they will be aggressive in landing a starting CB in free agency, and they need to get the position right, finally. They already released Marshon Lattimore, and recouped from the mistake of trading for him, and now they need to invest that money in his replacement.
One under-the-radar target is officially hitting free agency, and he would be the long-term answer in the cornerback room.
CB Alontae Taylor is officially hitting free agency
The Commanders have a deep CB market in free agency to pick through, but they should look no further than Alontae Taylor, who is one of the most underrated players in free agency. Taylor went to social media to say goodbye to the New Orleans Saints fanbase, and he’s now looking for a new home next week.
The Commanders will be a clear opportunistic location for Taylor, and they have the money to bring him on. Should they look at Taylor, however, or someone else in free agency?
Why the Commanders should pursue Alontae Taylor
Taylor is a younger corner who fits everything the Commanders are looking for on defense with speed and aggression. He’s 6-0, 200 pounds, and brings alignment versatility to the defense, which is something defensive coordinator Daronte Jones has expressed as important all offseason.
Taylor primarily played in the slot in 2025, and it was arguably his best season with two interceptions and six pass breakups. He’s played 1,664 snaps inside and 1,597 snaps as a perimeter corner in his four career seasons.
Now, Taylor is one of the top CBs on the free agent market at just 27 years old and should be a top target for the Commanders. Bringing in Taylor would solidify their slot corner position, but also give them the flexibility to decide what to do with Mike Sainristil. Taylor wouldn’t stop them from adding another outside corner if they get the opportunity to do so as well.
The Commanders need to get younger, but they also have a lot of youth in the CB room with Sainristil and Trey Amos, so adding experience is ideal as well. Taylor would be a long-term player to build around, and he’s projected to earn a three-year deal worth $45 to $50 million, which is well within the Commanders’ price range.
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