Cornerback Rasul Douglas. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Commanders adding secondary depth with signing of veteran defensive back

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 6, 2026 12:28 PM ET

Heading into a year in which the Washington Commanders are looking to bounce back from a 5-12 season, defense was a clear priority in free agency and the NFL Draft.

That theme continued Monday with the addition of another veteran defensive back to the Washington secondary.

Rasul Douglas is headed to Washington

According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Washington and veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas are in agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $3.8 million for the 2026 season.

Douglas will be entering his ninth NFL season and joining the sixth different team of his career.

Sources: Free-agent CB Rasul Douglas is planning to sign a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders worth up to $3.8 million. Douglas spent last season with the Dolphins, where he started 13 games. A former Eagles third-round pick in 2017, Douglas now returns to the NFC East. pic.twitter.com/GXGnXqoVyI
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 6, 2026

Rasul Douglas is still a productive defensive back

Douglas started 13 games for the Miami Dolphins last season, his fourth consecutive season starting at least 12 games. He had a solid season, collecting two interceptions, forcing a fumble and defending 13 passes, his most in that category since defending 14 during the 2023 season.

Douglas also finished the season with 62 tackles, his most since collecting 63 in the 2023 season.

Washington has greatly improved its defense for the upcoming season

After finishing at the bottom of the league in nearly every defensive category last season, the Commanders front office has drastically improved the defense for the upcoming season.

A new defensive coordinator in Daronte Jones and several key signings in Leo Chenal, Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, Amik Robertson, Nick Cross and now Douglas to pair with first-round pick Sonny Styles has Washington in a prime position to rebound from a poor season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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