Commanders named a potential landing spot for 3-time All-Pro DB

The Washington Commanders need help all over their defense after finishing near the bottom in almost every metric in 2025. Fortunately, Washington has plenty of money to spend when free agency begins next month. Additionally, the Commanders have the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and could land an impact defender.

While everyone understands Washington's desperate need for an edge defender, the secondary also needs help. The Commanders have cornerbacks Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos under contract. At safety, Washington will return Quan Martin, Jeremy Reaves, Will Harris, Tyler Owens and Percy Butler. Reaves, Owens and Butler are best known for their outstanding work on special teams, but Reaves has proven he can play a key role on defense when called upon.

However, the Commanders must improve at cornerback and safety in 2026. Resources will be added, likely at both positions. An intriguing veteran could soon be available. The Miami Dolphins, who are going through a bit of a roster purge as they rebuild, are reportedly considering moving on from defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. The 29-year-old former first-round pick is a three-time first-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection. It's possible that if the Dolphins can't find a trade partner for Fitzpatrick, they could release him.

Whether it's via trade or signing as a free agent, Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports recently named some logical landing spots for Fitzpatrick. Washington was among those potential landing spots.

Commanders/Jets

These teams are combined because they are also in similar positions. While both teams are in desperate need of help in their defensive backfields, they are coming off dreadful 2025 seasons. Would Fitzpatrick agree to be traded to a bad team at this stage of his career? If he were, he'd likely be more inclined to go to Washington as the Commanders are just two years removed from an NFC title game appearance. They also have a proven defensive-minded head coach in Dan Quinn. 

In all fairness, the Commanders shouldn't be lumped into the "bad team" category alongside the Jets. New York is rebuilding, while Washington plans to reload in free agency and the NFL draft. Fitzpatrick could be the perfect acquisition to give the struggling secondary some much-needed leadership. However, it's unlikely that GM Adam Peters will part with more draft picks in trades for veterans this offseason. The Commanders are already without picks in the second and fourth rounds in April's draft, due to the trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Fitzpatrick could help Washington. If he's released, the Commanders may have interest, but don't look for a trade, even if it's for a late-round pick.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Could they target Minkah Fitzpatrick?