The Washington Commanders signed one linebacker in free agency this offseason. Washington signed Cody Barton early in free agency to replace Cole Holcomb. The move was essentially a swap, not one made to improve the overall unit.
Jamin Davis returns, and Washington expects the 2021 first-round pick to take another step forward in 2023. Khaleke Hudson is also a name to watch after having a terrific offseason
Buy Commanders TicketsOn Wednesday, the Commanders filled out their practice squad by signing 15 players with the franchise over the summer. The 16th player comes to Washington from the Dallas Cowboys. Jabril Cox, a fourth-round pick of Dallas in 2021, chose the Commanders’ practice squad over a similar opportunity with the Cowboys.
Why? Cox saw Washington’s depth chart and believed he could be promoted to the main roster and play. That’s a smart bet for Cox to make.
After Washington’s practice Wednesday, head coach Ron Rivera — a former NFL linebacker — was asked what he saw in Cox.
“Well, we remember the young man coming out at LSU,” Rivera said.
“He’s a physical specimen, a young man that can run and can make an impact. And again, it’s one of those things that he’ll have to learn, he’ll have to grow, but he’s got the skillset that you’re looking for as far as that position is concerned. As I said, he’s a guy that we really did like coming out of the draft that year.”
These are the types of players you take a chance on. Washington stole defensive tackle John Ridgeway from the Cowboys one year ago. Cox has a lot of potential and can help the Commanders in coverage.
Of course, right now, he’s on the practice squad, but he’ll have a chance to impress coaches in practice.
