The Washington Commanders finally signed second-round pick Trey Amos to his rookie contract after the landscape-changing floodgates opened around the league. It also enables the physically imposing cornerback to take the field when training camp begins.
That's immensely positive for the Commanders. However, it could mean one possible starting option is already on the back foot.
The Commanders needed more in their cornerback room this offseason. Adam Peters resolved this issue effectively, acquiring Amos at No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Washington also secured the services of two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones in free agency to strengthen its options further.
Jones is an experienced, competitive defensive back with proven production in the biggest moments. He's got the versatility to play outside or in the nickel, which coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and head coach Dan Quinn will put to good use. It's another one-year deal for a veteran presence over 30 years old, but Peters thought it was a risk worth taking.
Commanders want Trey Amos to start immediately, which would relegate Jonathan Jones to backup duties
Now that Amos has signed on the dotted line, there's a good chance he'll replace Jones in the starting group alongside Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil. That doesn't mean he won't form a key part of the rotation, but the former undrafted free agent out of Auburn might be playing second-fiddle to the aforementioned trio when push comes to shove.
Amos isn't going to get handed anything. The Commanders will make him earn the boundary spot opposite Lattimore. Quinn and his staff will give the Ole Miss product all he can handle at training camp and the preseason. If they come away suitably impressed, he'll be in the starting lineup for Washington's regular-season opener against the New York Giants.
The Commanders didn't give Jones a one-year, $5.5 million deal with a $2.5 million signing bonus and $4.5 million guaranteed for him to sit on the sidelines. They want him involved, regardless of whether that's as a fourth option or not. And looking at the passing attacks on Washington's schedule this season, his accomplished production is only going to help their cause.
In an ideal world, Amos will flourish immediately. That's the best-case scenario for Washington's long-term outlook, especially if Lattimore bounces back now that he's fully healthy. That would come at the expense of Jones in a starting capacity, but strength in depth was always the primary objective for Peters this offseason.
Jones has a role to play. The Commanders wouldn't have brought him in otherwise. But Amos is the future, and possibly the present.
