Analyst warns Commanders’ fan-favorite on thin ice after bold draft decision
The Washington Commanders got a high-value selection when cornerback Trey Amos fell into their laps at No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Although that will help enormously, one analyst believes it could make an improving defensive back expendable when push comes to shove.
Washington has five decent, starting-caliber cornerbacks heading into the season. Amos’ arrival provides another physical boundary option capable of carving out a role for himself immediately. That might not be good news for everyone, but it’s a small price to pay for progress.
Noah Igbinoghene faces fight for Commanders’ future after Trey Amos pick
Sterling Xie from Pro Football Network placed Noah Igbinoghene’s future firmly under the microscope. The analyst thought he could be on thin ice after the team decided to draft Amos. Given his emergence into a fan-favorite last season with some decent production from the slot, a potential trade if the price is right couldn’t be completely dismissed.
“Veteran cornerback Noah Igbinoghene could get squeezed out of a job. The former Dolphins first-rounder found his footing last year, playing more defensive snaps (774) than he did his first four seasons combined (593). He spent 71% of those snaps in the slot, allowing just 5.6 yards per target in that role. Because of how he performed, it’s no lock Igbinoghene is a goner. Still, it’ll be tough for him to beat out a pair of recent second-round picks, which could leave him as a decent trade asset for Washington. Given his pedigree and promising 2024 performance, Igbinoghene would be a sneaky trade target for teams needing help in the slot.”Sterling Xie
Igbinoghene became an important part of the team’s defensive plans last season when others began to struggle. He performed well in the slot as Mike Sainristil moved to the outside. But with Amos coming into the fold, last year’s second-round pick might be switched back into the nickel where he’s best suited.
With Jonathan Jones also around, Igbinoghene faces a fight for similar involvement next time around. He’s coming off the best campaign of his professional career, but Adam Peters wasn’t going to settle. Another huge effort is needed when preparations for the new campaign gather pace, and the margin for error remains almost non-existent.
Everyone has a price, of course. Peters might consider moving Igbinoghene if an offer he cannot refuse arrives. However, it seems unlikely at best.
The Commanders are about keeping talent as they look to mount a deep playoff run once again. Igbinoghene may be further down the cornerback pecking order, but that could change quickly if injuries occur or players struggle for form.
That means the benefits of keeping Igbinoghene far outweigh the negatives. For now, at least.
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Washington icon hints Adam Peters isn’t done wheeling and dealing post-draft
Adam Peters is always looking for ways to improve the Washington Commanders’ playing personnel. He’s an aggressive roster builder who harbors no sentiment whatsoever in his decision-making process. If the general manager feels like more is needed, he won’t hesitate to pull the trigger.
One team legend believes Peters could have a few more aces up his sleeve before Week 1 rolls around.
The Commanders were aggressive throughout the recruitment period. Whether it was making bold trades, finding the right veteran players in free agency, or seizing opportunities during the 2025 NFL Draft, Peters maximized every resource to ensure this franchise is in the best possible position to build on a phenomenal first season under head coach Dan Quinn.
This was a slight pivot from his original plan, but that’s the hallmark of every good front-office leader.
Charles Mann believes more Commanders moves are coming under Adam Peters
Charles Mann, a three-time Super Bowl winner and four-time Pro Bowler who spent 11 seasons in Washington, thinks more moves are coming before the Commanders’ roster becomes finalized. And the defensive end believes fans shouldn’t overlook the options already around, considering what they accomplished during the 2024 campaign.
“Adam Peters is very savvy…Don’t think it’s over just because somebody wasn’t drafted…There will be veterans released, there could be trades, Peters isn’t done…And don’t overlook what’s already in the building.”Charles Mann via JP Finlay on X
Peters knows what he has and what more might be needed to get over the hump. The Commanders have enough salary-cap space to make additional acquisitions. Veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin’s pending contract extension ahead of time could also provide the organization with more financial flexibility in 2025, which wouldn’t hurt.
Washington’s roster looks nicely balanced right now. There are some holes to fill, namely at edge rusher, safety depth, and potentially even the running back position despite the Commanders spending a seventh-round selection on Jacory Croskey-Merritt. But that’s a decision for Peters when push comes to shove.
Fans know they are in the best possible hands with Peters and his accomplished staff. He’ll be keeping a close eye on developments around the league. He’ll also be examining the progress of his current squad before confirming any weak links that must be eradicated. And his ruthless approach provides the urgency needed for everything to come together quickly.