Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is focused on revamping the team’s struggling secondary, with the potential departure of veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore looming due to salary cap concerns. The franchise is reportedly considering Jaylen Watson from the Kansas City Chiefs as a replacement in the upcoming 2026 NFL free agency, a move that would fit the Commanders’ rebuilding efforts.
Jaylen Watson’s profile as a long-armed cornerback aligns with what Washington needs. Sports analyst Austin Gayle of The Ringer highlights that Watson is
a tall, long-armed cornerback who has improved every year of his career. Over the past two seasons, Watson allowed just one touchdown and recorded eight pass breakups and two interceptions, per PFF. He’s a scheme-versatile, disciplined player with more than 2,000 snaps played at outside corner over the past four years. Watson may not have a ton of ball production, but he makes up for it with down-to-down consistency and an overall reluctance to give up the big play.
The Commanders have struggled to limit big passing plays recently, an issue made more evident after Lattimore joined Washington midseason in 2024 but failed to perform at his previous Pro Bowl level. With a $16.5 million salary on a one-year deal that isn’t guaranteed, releasing Lattimore would free up significant cap space,
which means the team can move on and save $18.5 million in cap space,
according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. This financial flexibility would assist Washington in pursuing other upgrades.
Jaylen Watson Matches the Defensive Strategy of New Coordinator Daronte Jones
Daronte Jones is expected to implement a defensive scheme inspired by former Minnesota Vikings coordinator Brian Flores, relying on complex blitz packages and disguised coverages to confuse opposing offenses. Luckily for Washington, Jaylen Watson is already well-versed in a similar system from his time under Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, known for his fire-zone pressure calls that demand versatile defensive backs.
Watson displayed his effectiveness within Spagnuolo’s system last season by blitzing 13 times and securing two sacks, while allowing only one touchdown in coverage. His ability to play isolated coverage was underscored by a notable end-zone interception against Russell Wilson and the New York Giants, highlighting skills that Washington’s defense has long lacked.
Gayle suggests Watson’s expected free-agent contract might fall in the
$16 million to $18 million per year range
, a cost that fits comfortably within the Commanders’ salary cap, which is projected to have around $66.5 million in space according to Spotrac.com. This amount would increase should the team decide to part ways with Lattimore, offering room for critical investment in the secondary.
Marshon Lattimore’s Potential Departure Could Provide Financial Relief
Veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore’s time with Washington seems increasingly uncertain due to his performance and salary cap implications. Despite his history as a four-time Pro Bowler, his recent struggles and the unsustainable cap hit suggest that the team is prepared to move on, making way for younger, more reliable talent like Watson.
The transition could mark a pivotal moment for the Commanders as they seek to solidify a more consistent and dynamic secondary. By targeting a proven yet versatile cornerback familiar with aggressive and complex defensive schemes, Washington aims to address critical vulnerabilities and improve their defensive reputation in the coming seasons.
Jaylen Watson picks off Russ! Second @Chiefs pick of the night
KCvsNYG on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/T4W2L9zTZh— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2025
