NFL gift-wraps Commanders early shot to ruin Jeremy Chinn’s revenge tour

Most of general manager Adam Peters' roster decisions this offseason were largely well-received. The Washington Commanders opting to let Jeremy Chinn take his chances elsewhere in free agency was not one of them.

Chinn was a revelation for the Commanders last season. His size, physicality, and explosive instincts were tailor-made for head coach Dan Quinn's defensive concepts. There were some deficiencies in coverage, but most fans expected the standout safety to get another commitment from the franchise as a result of his efforts.

That wasn't to be. And now, the Commanders have an early chance to ruin Chinn's revenge tour before it begins.

Commanders must be wary of Jeremy Chinn's Raiders in Week 3

All eyes were locked on the NFL's schedule release on Wednesday. Chinn probably had the Commanders at the forefront of his mind, ready to circle that date in the calendar. As it turned out, the former second-round pick out of Southern Illinois won't have long to wait before returning to Northwest Stadium.

Washington will host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. This comes off an early mini-bye as the Commanders travel to the Green Bay Packers for Thursday Night Football in Week 2. Chinn won't be the most important player they'll have to worry about, but his presence and knowledge of the goings on within the organization are enough to warrant respect.

The Raiders saw something in Chinn. They offered him a contract that the Commanders weren't willing to match. It's the second time in as many offseasons that the player has felt slighted following his acrimonious departure from the Carolina Panthers, so he'll be eager to prove Peters wrong and dent Washington's early momentum in 2025.

Pete Carroll is looking to lead Las Vegas on an immediate renaissance. He traded for quarterback Geno Smith. He spent the No. 6 pick on running back Ashton Jeanty. They still have elite difference-makers like Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby, and Christian Wilkins. Underestimating them is simply not an option from the Commanders' standpoint.

There will no doubt be some emotional embraces between Chinn and those he went into battle with so successfully last season before the contest. But when the first whistle blows, it'll be strictly business.

And if the Commanders have to crush Chinn's dreams of revenge, so be it.

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