The Washington Commanders have had an exceptionally busy offseason, one that was highlighted by two high-profile trades in the months immediately following last January's stunning NFC Championship game run.
Washington added five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., as the Commanders look to build a potent squad of weapons and protection around reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Defensively, Washington's biggest splash — perhaps a bit too big — was the signing of interior lineman Javon Kinlaw. They also made waves late into the summer by adding Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller. But it was a much quieter move that might end up paying the biggest dividends.
Will Harris looks to bring energy and effort to Commanders' safety unit
During the 2024 free agency period, the Commanders went on a spending spree of key veteran additions, including linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, running back Austin Ekeler, and tight end Zach Ertz. Every one of them paid off, but one of the unsung heroes from the class was strong safety Jeremy Chinn.
The fifth-year player was all over the field for the Commanders, tying his career-high in combined tackles with 117. Unfortunately, he departed for the Las Vegas Raiders on a multi-year contract after his one-year deal in Washington expired. Adam Peters replaced him with another journeyman veteran in Will Harris.
Harris, a member of the Detroit Lions for five seasons and the New Orleans Saints in 2024, figures to start alongside Quan Martin. No one is expecting him to be one of the stars of the defense, but he can be the type of player whose value goes beyond the box score. In an interview with Scott Abraham from 7News DC, the veteran sounded well aware of his role.
The Commanders brought in Will Harris to fill the void of Jeremy Chinn.
What will Harris bring to this defense?
He told me, "high energy, high effort...dependable, being a guy that guys can trust." pic.twitter.com/fWjuNg85RC
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) August 15, 2025
It's a familiar refrain for Washington by now, echoing similar rhetoric expressed by locker room leaders such as Wagner and Luvu. In the culture Dan Quinn has established in his clubhouse, no one is more valuable than a player who can put on his hard hat and set an example for his teammates by always giving 100 percent.
Throughout his career, Harris has never had a better opportunity than this one. He'd lost his starting role in Detroit by the time the Lions emerged as a contender in the NFC, and his second chance last year was on a beleaguered Saints squad. Now, he'll get to show Washington what he's made of.
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