Former Washington Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chargers finding out what Commanders fans already knew about Benjamin St-Juste

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Aug 17, 2025 7:30 AM ET

Not many Washington Commanders fans were sad to see Benjamin St-Juste leave the franchise in free agency. And the Los Angeles Chargers are quickly finding out what D.C. fans already knew about the inconsistent veteran cornerback.

The Commanders were never going to keep St-Juste around when his rookie contract expired this offseason. His influence waned as the 2025 campaign went on, and there was a clear lack of trust in his capabilities from the coaching staff to all but seal his fate.

St-Juste wasn't out of work for long, signing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. The former third-round pick fits the mold of what head coach Jim Harbaugh looks for in his defensive backs. He's tall, rangy, and physical, but the production has rarely matched the physical attributes he brings to the table.

Benjamin St-Juste struggling to adjust to life after the Commanders

Chargers fans are getting the chance to see that for themselves over their preseason slate. St-Juste was lackluster when called upon in their warm-up opener. The Minnesota product didn't fare much better this weekend against the Los Angeles Rams.

The corner was lackluster in coverage as quarterback Stenson Bennett IV carved open the Chargers' defense throughout. St-Juste is clearly going through some confidence issues, and this shows no signs of getting any better based on this latest outing.

1️⃣5️⃣ with the quick move into the endzone.

@ABC7 | https://t.co/4beUdm4vkg pic.twitter.com/8jSqN2xn2u
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 16, 2025

Stakes are being raised for St-Juste. It would be surprising if his name wasn't on the Chargers' 53-man roster, but earning reps on the defensive rotation remains undetermined. Their lack of cornerback depth is something working in his favor. Still, his disappointing preseason so far isn't going to be looked upon favorably by Harbaugh during his roster assessments.

Thankfully, this isn't the Commanders' problem anymore. They moved on from St-Juste, and their revamped cornerback room quickly emerged as an area of strength this offseason. It's not perfect just yet, but four-time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore, second-round rookie Trey Amos , Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones, and Noah Igbinoghene look like a potentially prolific group if everyone meets expectations.

As for St-Juste? He's on the back foot in a different environment. A monumental effort is needed to help turn the tide in his favor. It's not looking especially promising right now, especially considering the player's downward spiral from a production standpoint in recent years.

This is a massive test of St-Juste's character. How he responds could determine his future career outlook when it's all said and done.