Upgrading the cornerback position has been a challenge for the Washington Commanders, as recent signings and trade acquisitions have failed to meet expectations. However, securing Byron Murphy Jr. from the Minnesota Vikings in the 2025 NFL free agency could change that.
Murphy is an ideal fit for Washington, as he “could step in as an instant upgrade over free agent Noah Igbinoghene in the slot, while also being able to play on the outside in two-receiver sets,” according to Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus.
Cameron also pointed out that Commanders general manager Adam Peters remains committed to Marshon Lattimore despite his struggles. If Lattimore rebounds in 2025, pairing him with Murphy could transform the Commanders’ secondary.
Peters recently reaffirmed his belief in Lattimore, who underperformed following a costly mid-season trade from the New Orleans Saints. The four-time Pro Bowler didn’t live up to expectations as a shutdown corner, but he wasn’t the only veteran who struggled.
Why Byron Murphy Jr. Makes Sense for Washington
Peters has good reason to use the Commanders’ significant free-agency resources to sign Murphy. The 27-year-old possesses excellent ball skills, recording career-highs with six interceptions and 14 pass breakups.
One of his most impressive plays was a one-handed interception against former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14.
Washington lacks a cornerback with Murphy’s playmaking ability or versatility. He can operate in the slot or on the outside, and he excels in man coverage, achieving a 74.8 percent success rate while playing man on 28.9 percent of his snaps, per Player Profiler.
Murphy’s success was aided by the Vikings’ aggressive defensive approach. Under coordinator Brian Flores, Minnesota led the league with a 38.9 percent blitz rate, according to Pro Football Reference.
That constant pressure helped Murphy capitalize on mistakes, including a key interception against Joe Flacco and the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9, highlighted by The Minnesota Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling.
Meanwhile, the Commanders blitzed 31.5 percent of the time but lacked elite edge-rushers like Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, who combined for 23.5 sacks in Minnesota.
Peters can address the pass rush by acquiring an All-Pro edge rusher via trade or signing a veteran in free agency. However, regardless of how they improve their defensive front, the Commanders must secure a top-tier cornerback.
Cornerback Remains a Major Concern
While the Lattimore trade has yet to pay off, it’s just one of several issues in Washington’s secondary. Igbinoghene and fellow 2024 free-agent signing Michael Davis Jr. also struggled.
Igbinoghene surrendered three touchdowns in coverage, per Pro Football Reference, while Davis made only two starts. Their shortcomings only added to the struggles of returning cornerback Benjamin St-Juste.
The one bright spot was rookie Mike Sainristil, who showcased strong playmaking ability and even displayed shutdown potential on the perimeter. Since Sainristil can also play in the slot, pairing him with Murphy would give the Commanders added flexibility in coverage.
This versatility could help compensate for Washington’s inconsistent pass rush, making Murphy a crucial piece in the team’s defensive rebuild.
