Analyst tips versatile Commanders signing to take NFL by storm in 2024

It’s no secret what Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. have planned for the Washington Commanders’ defense. They are going to be fast. They will be physical. They will strive to create turnovers and run creative alignments to keep opposing offenses guessing throughout.

That’s been a productive model for the head coach during his career. To achieve these objectives, the Commanders needed the right playing personnel. Therefore, seeing Adam Peters undergo a dramatic roster overhaul was unsurprising.

One signing that went relatively under the radar compared to others was the decision to acquire Jeremy Chinn in free agency. The former second-round pick looked like a world-beater as a rookie in 2020. After that, a position switch coupled with injury issues and a lack of trust within Ejiro Evero’s 3-4 base scheme meant he became an outsider with the Carolina Panthers.

Chinn couldn’t wait to get away. He also reportedly turned down more money from the Pittsburgh Steelers to become part of Quinn’s defensive game plan. Something that led Chris Trapasso from CBS Sports to name the versatile weapon among his potential comeback candidates when competitive games commence in 2024.

“Just a few years ago, [Jeremy] Chinn was a prototype. A new-age model for what teams wanted and needed at the safety position. And now he’s part of the Dan Quinn Takeover in Washington under new ownership. And let’s just say Quinn has experience coaching productive safeties in his past, particularly safety-linebacker hybrids like Kam Chancellor, Keanu Neal, and most recently Donovan Wilson and Markquese Bell in Dallas. Chinn is only 26 years old. And Washington’s defense will be better than its No. 26 finish in DVOA a season ago — the club has added many serious additions to that side of the ball this offseason. Chinn will be a key element to that improvement in 2024.”

– Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports

The Southern Illinois product has every athletic attribute Quinn looks for in the secondary. He’s instinctive and explosive. He’s got decent ball skills and is a willing tackler. There are some concentration issues in coverage on occasion, but the chance for growth in this area is high under the exceptional guidance of Whitt.

Chinn is extremely motivated to remind the football world why he was so highly touted after a rookie season to remember. He couldn’t wait to get away from Carolina and be somewhere he felt valued. There’s also the small matter of financial incentives adding extra intrigue for the player next season.

After signing a one-year deal with the Commanders, a good season for Chinn would ensure he gets a longer-term commitment. Whether that’s with Washington or elsewhere is up for debate, but those in power would be wise to keep him around if he demonstrates his importance to the team’s long-term plans.

There’s a lot to like about Chinn. The player is entering his prime with a big chip on his shoulder. That’s a dangerous combination if Quinn and Whitt can harness this effectively.

The early signs have been promising over organized team activities and Washington’s mandatory minicamp. With Kamren Curl departing for the Los Angeles Rams after not being offered a new deal, Chinn has an opportunity to become a legitimate alpha in the team’s safety room.

If that happens, this will be a tremendous piece of business for Peters.