One of the most surprising parts of the NFL season so far has been the emergence of the Washington Commanders. After a disappointing 2023 campaign where they ended 4-13, the Commanders have already surpassed their win total from last year.
Currently sitting at 6-2 and atop the NFC East, Washington cannot afford to mess this up. While they have the division lead for now, the Philadelphia Eagles are creeping back into the race at 5-3. Philadelphia, from a pure talent standpoint, edge Washington in that category.
The Commanders have had a magical start to the 2024 season, including their miraculous Hail Mary touchdown in Week 8 to defeat the Chicago Bears 18-15. Led by rookie sensation Jayden Daniels, the team has fed off of his confident playstyle and have turned many heads thus far.
There’s still room for improvement, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Commanders have had trouble finding solid starters in the secondary, specifically at cornerback. Rookie Mike Sainristil has had his fair share of struggles, allowing 313 yards and four touchdowns in coverage. Benjamin St-Juste has seven passes defended on the year, but has given up three touchdowns and over 400 yards in coverage.
Washington needs an upgrade at cornerback and seeing as they’re on their way to a playoff berth, Bleacher Report predicted that they’ll trade for Jonathan Jones.
“The Commanders have a legitimate shot at winning the division or at least making the playoffs as a wild-card team this year. But the defense’s cornerback room could ruin those hopes, so it’d be smart to add a veteran ahead of the trade deadline and Jones was recently paired with the club in B/R’s NFL Trade Block Big Board column.”
In that column, NFL analyst Kristopher Knox alluded to the fact that despite the hire of head coach Dan Quinn, “the Commanders still rank 26th in net yards per pass attempt allowed.”
Jones, 31, is currently in the last year of his deal with the New England Patriots. He’s been a solid option at cornerback throughout his tenure with the Patriots despite never being named to a Pro Bowl or All-Pro list. Jones has held his own in 2024, breaking up three passes and allowing just one touchdown in coverage.
With the Commanders preparing to enter the postseason for the first time since 2020, it’d be wise for them to take a chance on acquiring Jones to add a veteran presence to their secondary.