Fallen former Commanders star dragged back into unexpected comeback buzz

The Washington Commanders made significant improvements to their cornerback room this offseason. That came with some expected collateral damage, but it's a small price to pay for progress.

Failed first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is long gone. Benjamin St-Juste didn't get another deal once his rookie contract expired. Jonathan Jones and Trey Amos came into the fold. This represents an upgrade, whichever way one looks at it.

Michael Davis is another whose services were no longer required. The veteran signed a one-year deal last offseason and had his sights set on a starting berth. Something changed during the summer that sent him to the fringes. He was unable to turn the tide.

Former Commanders cornerback touted with shocking move to AFC team

Davis remains on the proverbial scrap heap late into the offseason. That might not be the case for much longer if one NFL analyst's projection becomes a reality.

Moe Moton from The Bleacher Report touted a shocking comeback for Davis heading into the season. And the analyst thought landing with the New England Patriots made a ton of sense to fortify their rotational options.

New England took an aggressive approach in free agency, signing five players to deals worth $11 million or more annually. As the Patriots ramp up offseason activities, they should consider an addition to the secondary to build depth at cornerback. Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III are locked in as starters. If Marcus Jones maintains the lead role in the slot, New England needs a backup boundary cornerback behind Gonzalez and Davis. Starting in 76 career games, (Michael) Davis would be a solid addition on the boundary.Moe Moton

Any team acquiring Davis wouldn't be doing so based on last season. He featured in just 15 percent of Washington's defensive snaps, giving up 71.4% of targets thrown in his direction. His coverage grade ranked 203rd out of 222 qualifying cornerbacks according to Pro Football Focus. It was an unmitigated disaster from start to finish.

Things weren't much better against the run or on special teams. Adam Peters made a lot of shrewd signings in 2024. This wasn't one of them.

If the former BYU standout gets another opportunity with the Patriots or someone else, it's the last chance saloon. Davis has to make it count, return to something like his old form, and leave no doubt regarding his outlook. Anything less could see the league look away from the player for good.

The Commanders were always going to move on from Davis. All the veteran can do is hope another chance arrives.

And when it does, he must be ready to take it.

More Commanders news and analysis