Commanders' 2026 free agency: 6 top cornerback targets
· Yahoo Sports
The Washington Commanders have used a second-round pick on a cornerback in each of the last two NFL drafts. At the 2024 trade deadline, the Commanders traded three draft picks for cornerback Marshon Lattimore. So, you'd think that Washington would be set at the position heading into the 2026 season.
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That's not the case. Washington officially released Lattimore on Friday. He dealt with injuries, and when he was on the field for the Commanders, he was not good. As for the drafted corners, Mike Sainristil (2024) and Trey Amos (2025), the jury remains out. Sainristil was excellent as a rookie in 2024, beginning his career in the slot before moving outside out of necessity. In 2025, Sainristil struggled badly but continued to show a knack for creating turnovers.
Amos looked terrific as a rookie, but his season was cut short due to a Week 10 leg injury. The Commanders hope a new defensive coordinator (Daronte Jones), who has a history of coaching defensive backs, can help the young cornerbacks. Washington's other primary cornerbacks last season, Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene, are free agents.
Cornerback is one of the positions often linked to the Commanders in free agency. They're going to sign one. Washington has over $80 million in cap space to land one of the better free-agent cornerbacks. We look at six potential targets.
Saints CB Alontae Taylor
Taylor brings inside/outside versatility, as he played outside and in the slot for the Saints. He has played in every game for the past three seasons and has 52 passes defensed and four interceptions in his career. Taylor also brings speed to the cornerback position, something the Commanders have lacked there recently. Taylor could be the cornerback who lands the biggest contract in this market. However, there are concerns. Will he be consistent enough to earn the type of money he is about to receive?
Giants CB Cor'Dale Flott
A third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Flott enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025, outplaying the Giants' high-priced cornerback addition, Paulsen Adebo. Only 24, the 6-foot-2 Flott should have a strong market. If Washington could sign Flott, it would take a promising young defensive player away from a division rival. With his age and play in 2025, there's a strong belief that his best football is ahead of him. The Giants want to retain him, but it could be difficult. ESPN believes he'll have a robust market.
Seahawks CB Tariq Woolen
If we're talking about potential, Woolen clears everyone. At 6-foot-4, Woolen ran a 4.26 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL combine. He had a rookie season to remember, finishing with 63 tackles, and led the NFL in interceptions and passes defensed. He was benched at times in 2025 during Seattle's run to the Super Bowl, but flashed his immense skills. He also committed multiple foolish penalties. Woolen is only 26, and his length and athleticism will entice every team. He could end up being a steal or a bust. There's plenty of risk here, but the reward could be tremendous.
Buccaneers CB Jalen Dean
Dean has been a good player since entering the NFL in 2019. He has been a key part of Tampa Bay's defense for seven seasons and will test free agency for the first time. Dean's addition would depend on the scheme that Jones plans to run. Age could also limit Dean's market as he turns 30 during the season. He's also missed at least two games in every season in which he has played. Dean remains a solid and consistent performer.
Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson
It seems like every time Kansas City drafts a corner, he turns into a reliable starter. It is a bit surprising that the Chiefs haven't attempted to lock up Watson yet, considering they traded Trent McDuffie before having to pay him big money. There's a lot to like about Watson: He can play in a man or zone scheme. He is long and disruptive. However, he has only three career interceptions, but two came in 2025.
Jaguars CB Greg Newsome
A former first-round pick, the Browns traded Newsome to the Jaguars in 2025. In five NFL seasons, Newsome has appeared in 71 games and has only four interceptions. He does have 43 passes defensed. Newsome is a better fit for a zone scheme. It's unknown what Jones will run with the Commanders, but free agency should provide a good indication.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders' 2026 free agency: 6 cornerback targets