Is Commanders safety Will Harris in trouble?
The Commanders signed the free agent safety in the 2025 offseason after he had played the 2024 season with the New Orleans Saints. Both head coach Dan Quinn and former defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. raved about the versatility and experience Harris would bring to the Commanders’ defense in 2025.
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Indeed, Harris looked good in the opener versus the New York Giants, but in Week 2 it appeared the Commanders’ defense had no idea how to cover a Packers tight end, whether in zone or man-to-man. The next week against the Raiders, Harris fractured a fibula. Unfortunately, the injury was severe enough that Harris was out eight weeks.
Harris returned in the November 30, 27-26 overtime loss to the Broncos. By season’s end, Harris had competed in nine games for Washington. Fans certainly counted on Harris being back for the 2026 season. However, much has changed since 2025.
The Commanders hired new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. Under Jones, the scheme is very different; he came from the Minnesota Vikings, where he worked under Brian Flores. In free agency, the Commanders targeted and signed Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross. Then they re-signed Jeremy Reaves. They also signed Qwuantrezz Knight to a futures contract earlier. They have brought back Percy Butler, Tyler Owens and Quan Martin. After the draft was completed, they signed Michigan State safety Malik Spencer.
Have you noticed that Harris is rotating in later than last preseason? Against the Dolphins and Lions, the Commanders’ new defensive staff apparently revealed they evaluate Harris lower on their own depth chart.
Harris will turn 31 in December. Might Jones and his defensive backs coaches see Harris as not making the final roster this season? Watch Friday night in Baltimore to see if Harris is again playing later in the game.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Is former Commanders’ starter in trouble?
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