Commanders defensive back/core special teammer Jeremy Reaves came up twice during Dan Quinn’s Tuesday morning press conference. The head coach used both questions to laud the veteran’s presence in this 2026 training camp, going well beyond the typical platitudes common this time of year.
It’s clear that Reaves has made a positive impression early on and is challenging for an increased role in Daronte Jones’ defens
e.Reaves has built a career on excellent special teams play, with Pro-Bowl and All-Pro
selections honoring those efforts. His defensive contributions have been more minimal. They were virtually non-existent in 2023 – he played just five games that year – and again in 2024.
His role increased in 2025, as the career safety got more involved. An injury to Will Harris created some opportunity – so did Quan Martin’s ineffectiveness — but Quinn also found ways to get him involved. Reaves posted a career-high 91 total tackles and had an interception and two passes defensed.
Reaves has always been a valued presence in the Commanders locker room but he’s apparently pressing for even more in 2026.
“His communication skills are elite as a ball player, as a teammate on the field and off,” Quinn said his Wednesday presser. “So much of what we’re doing goes through out communication hub at linebacker and safety, so seeing him and Frankie (Luvu) and others…he’s an initiator of so many good things that we talk through. He sets incredible standards for effort and speed.
“We could use a hell of a lot more Jeremy Reaves. He’s a remarkable teammate, player – he’s definitely making his presence felt on defense more so than he has in the previous two years.”
Jones is installing a new defensive system that requires different player strengths and an opportunity for everyone to compete for playing. While he may not be the most athletic player, his football IQ is sky high and he’s a physical player in the back. We’re also expecting some three-safety sets from Jones this season, so Reaves could find a role somewhere in one or more of the personnel packages.
Reaves is getting a shot to prove himself in this camp. We’ll see what he makes of it.
“He has earned the right to have these reps,” Quinn said. “He’s got high standards about how he wants to go. He’s very much in the mix from a defensive standpoint. As you’re starting a new, system, everyone’s on the same level to say, ‘where’s he gonna go?’ To see him take advantage of that, that’s a big deal. He has always had unique leadership communication qualities, so it’s nice to see that coming out on the defensive side as well.”
What would it take for Jeremy Reaves secure significant snaps on the Commanders defense? Let us know in the comments below:
