The Washington Commanders allowed one of their top performers from last season to explore opportunities elsewhere. While some fans were disappointed, general manager Adam Peters acted quickly to secure a cost-effective replacement.
Jeremy Chinn recorded 117 tackles for Washington in 2024, revitalizing his career after a disappointing stint with the Carolina Panthers. Reports suggested the Commanders were working on a new contract with the former second-round pick, but negotiations fell through. Instead, Chinn accepted an offer from the Las Vegas Raiders, signing a two-year deal that Washington wasn’t willing to match. Despite his contributions to the team’s NFC Championship run, Peters remained firm on not overpaying.
Commanders move decisively to secure Chinn’s replacement
Washington wasted no time finding a successor. Peters had a plan in place, reportedly signing Will Harris to a two-year, $8 million contract with incentives that could push it to $10 million.
Harris, a six-year NFL veteran, played for the New Orleans Saints last season after five years with the Detroit Lions. Like Chinn, he offers versatility, capable of playing both safety positions and contributing at the second level of defense. However, he shares Chinn’s occasional struggles in coverage and is most effective when playing instinctively—making him a natural replacement.
This move doesn’t rule out Washington adding another impact safety. The team may assess its in-house options, but Peters will likely ensure the position is solidified as he pushes for another playoff run.
Following key investments in the trenches, this signing aligns with the team’s strategy—finding value after the initial wave of big-name deals. With Washington reestablishing itself as an attractive destination after years of struggles, Peters must capitalize on this momentum.
Harris’ role in the defense remains to be seen, but filling Chinn’s void is crucial. Chinn’s dynamic presence made a significant impact in his lone season with Washington, and while his departure creates another challenge, Peters is confident that Harris’ similar skill set can help bridge the gap.
There’s still a lot of work ahead, but the Commanders are making steady progress. And Peters is only beginning the next phase of his roster overhaul.
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