Commanders fans stunned as media throws lovefest for massive draft bust

The Washington Commanders were never going to bring back Benjamin St-Juste in free agency. That didn't stop one NFL analyst from making a bold claim as the cornerback embarks on a new opportunity.

St-Juste got countless opportunities to thrive in a starting role and couldn't take any of them. For every good play, there were three or four bad ones. When the same trend continued despite the introduction of Dan Quinn's accomplished coaching staff, it didn't take long for the Minnesota graduate to get phased out.

The former third-round selection found a new home relatively quickly, penning a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. This is a pretty good spot under the watchful eyes of Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter. Whether the complications that blighted St-Juste's time in Washington can be eradicated is another matter.

ESPN analyst isn't ready to give up on Benjamin St-Juste after Commanders exit

This was a topic discussed by Bill Barnwell from ESPN. The respected analyst highlighted the boom or bust potential around St-Juste in 2025. He also thought that the upside could match any other cornerback signing around the league if everything came together.

It was no surprise to see the Commanders let [Benjamin] St-Juste leave in free agency this offseason, and his landing spot makes all the sense in the world. Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter were the league's cornerback rehabilitation factory a year ago. St-Juste could end the season as a key starter on a potential playoff team or buried in a fourth or fifth cornerback spot. I'd argue he has more upside than most of the other cornerback signings this offseason.Bill Barnwell

This proclamation will no doubt leave Commanders fans stunned. After all, they were forced to watch St-Juste flatter to deceive almost constantly whenever he was tasked with starting reps.

The Chargers have their work cut out with St-Juste. He's got the size and length to be much more impactful, but the player is technically flawed. Opposing offenses targeted him heavily in key moments, knowing they were either going to get a completion or a defensive pass interference penalty.

It could go either way for St-Juste, but the smart money suggests he'll be buried on the depth chart rather than emerging as free agency's biggest steal. It would need to be a turnaround of epic proportions for any other scenario to arise.

That's not the Commanders' problem anymore. They have Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Noah Igbinoghene, free-agent signing Jonathan Jones, and second-round pick Trey Amos leading the cornerback room in 2025. That represents a huge upgrade, one that should help in their quest to get over the hump.

If the Commanders reach the promised land, St-Juste will become a distant memory if he isn't already.

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