Commanders Sign OLB Boogie Basham, Release S Will Harris

Basham signed with Washington on Tuesday, per a team announcement. The sixth-year edge rusher has operated as a rotational presence throughout his career, seeing time with the Bills, Giants and Panthers along the way. Basham – a former second-rounder – has not managed to establish himself as a starter during any of his NFL stops, though.

One of the Commanders’ other roster moves saw fellow pass rusher Drake Jackson placed on injured reserve. His season is over as a result. Injuries have derailed Jackson’s early NFL career; the former 49ers draftee missed all of 2024 and made just three appearances after signing with Washington last season. Basham will look to replace Jackson as a candidate for the end of the roster.

Will Harris‘ time in the nation’s capital is also coming to an end. The veteran safety has been released. Harris joined the Commanders last offseason on a two-year deal, but he suffered a fractured fibula midway through the 2025 campaign. Harris was limited to nine games as a result, although he handled a starting role during that time. This release will yield $3.76MM in cap savings while generating $1MM in dead money charges.

In addition to Harris, several other moves at the safety spot have been made. Joshuah Bledsoe and Quindell Johnson have been signed. With just 13 combined regular-season appearances between them, those two will look to earn a practice squad spot with roster cuts looming. Meanwhile, undrafted rookie Malik Spencer has also been let go. He will now hit the waiver wire as teams prepare to sort out their initial 53-man rosters.

Jeremy Reaves, Nick Cross and Quan Martin are on course to handle the bulk of the defensive workload at safety for the Commanders in 2026. Tyler Owens and Percy Butler remain in the fold after today’s roster shuffling, a further sign they will be counted on to contribute regularly on special teams.