The Commanders made several roster moves on Tuesday morning, with one bigger name lumped in with a series of lesser knowns.
Washington added an edge rusher and two safeties. They also moved an edge rusher to IR and released two safeties. This type of bottom-of-the-roster churn is common this time of year. Rarely, however, does it include someone closer to the top of the depth chart.
Will Harris was unceremoniously released on Tuesday, ending the eighth-year safety’s time in Washington. He played nine
games and started them all in 2025, though a fractured fibula and a subsequent IR stint disrupted his only season with the Commanders.
While more established veterans don’t get cut at such a random time, Harris’ release was no surprise. Mark Tyler didn’t include him in his latest 53-man roster projection, and was no alone in that analysis.
Harris played a ton during the preseason when other established veterans didn’t, and not always particularly well. His game against the Lions was certainly a strike against.
Those mistakes look bad, especially when compared to Quan Martin’s standout preseason performances.
There’s also Jeremy Reaves, who should be more involved defensively. And Tyler Owens has showed out in multiple roles during training camp, including work in the slot and in the box.
The Commanders sought a clear upgrade by signing Nick Cross, a safety expected to be an every-down presence in the defensive backfield.
Overall, the Commanders just didn’t seem to need him anymore.
hen, maybe in a sign of ominous foreshadowing, the Commanders let receiver Stefon Diggs wear Harris’ No. 3 jersey during Saturday’s game against Detroit. And let him keep it for Monday’s practice. While duplicate jersey numbers are not uncommon, you generally don’t take a veteran’s number.
While the timing of the Harris release was a surprise, cutting him was not. The team’s mind had been made up and the move came swiftly, as it did when selecting Drew Stevens at kicker.
No sense in giving practice reps to someone you know won’t be here. That’s a harsh reality for Harris, but one that even he could’ve seen coming.
Was letting Will Harris go right now a smart move by Washington? Let us know in the comments below:
