The Washington Commanders are off to a surprising start to the 2024 campaign, boasting a 4-1 record and sitting in first place in the NFC East through five weeks.
The primary reason for Washington's early success is the excellent play of rookie signal-caller Jayden Daniels. The No.2 overall pick looks like a seasoned veteran and is the leading candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Commanders' defense has been up and down, but the unit has allowed fewer than twenty points in the last two games. The pass rush has been solid, posting 15 sacks, tied for No.9 in the league. Linebackers Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner have been dominant to begin the season and are arguably the best linebacker tandem in football.
The weak spot in Joe Whitt's defense is the secondary, especially the cornerback room. The team doesn't have a bona fide CB1 and the group is extremely inexperienced and lackluster.
Due to concerns at the position, CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin wants to see general manager Adam Peters make a move for Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn.
Commanders executive Scott Fitterer drafted Horn early in Carolina. The Panthers like him, but he'll likely command top dollar, despite a checkered medical history. This splash would aid Washington's secondary.
Though Horn is injury-prone, he is one of the better corners in the league. The 23-year-old has surrendered a 52.1% completion rate and an 83.1 passer rating when targeted in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus.
He would be an immediate upgrade for Washington's secondary, and would be a multi-year option, as he still has one more year left on his rookie deal thanks to the fifth-year option. Trade compensation for Horn shouldn't be egregiously high, as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick should get the deal done.
With Jayden Daniels on a rookie contract and not eligible for a contract extension until 2027, Washington should be extremely aggressive on the player acquisition side. Horn would immediately bolster the Commanders' secondary and push the team closer to an NFC East title.
