Commanders castoff quietly crafting an unlikely resurgence elsewhere

Benjamin St-Juste is making the most of his new opportunity after Commanders exit

It's unlikely that there was anyone in Washington who was disappointed when St-Juste didn't get another deal following the expiration of his rookie contract. He never lived up to his billing during his four years on the Commanders, and his replacement, second-round rookie Trey Amos, has been promising.

Still, there's no reason to hold any ill will towards St-Juste, a young man trying to preserve his NFL dream. The Chargers threw him a lifeline as a depth piece — he hasn't started in any games and has been on the field for fewer than 25 percent of all defensive snaps before Week 6. But when his number has been called, he's been productive.

It's an ideal role for the Montreal native, who never worked out in a situation where he was expected to be a featured contributor with the Commanders. He only caught one interception throughout his four seasons in D.C., and was constantly under scrutiny for giving up penalties and big plays.

On the Chargers, he's more of a utility guy, keeping his legs fresher as he's used more sparingly. There's no pressure for him to measure up to his lofty draft status or a high-priced contract, as he signed for only $2.5 million. He's playing on a flyer as a last chance to prove himself in the NFL, and he knows it.

No matter what St-Juste accomplishes elsewhere, no one is going to argue that Washington made a mistake letting him get away. The Commanders' secondary, even despite being rather disappointing thus far in 2025, is better off with Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, and Amos than it was when the 2021 third-round pick was starting.

Good for him though. Sometimes players just need a fresh start.