Cornerback Michael Davis has agreed to join the Washington Commanders in free agency, the team announced Monday.
The BYU product had spent his entire seven-season career with the Los Angeles Chargers.
“The main reason I signed [with Washington] is the opportunity I had here … this was the best place for me,” the 29-year-old told reporters on Monday. “It’s the best place for me to come and improve myself. I couldn’t pass up that opportunity.”
In 2023, the former Charger recorded one interception and 10 pass deflections across 13 starts. He defended 10 passes or more in each of the last four seasons.
“Having seen [coach Dan Quinn’s] defense and the way they performed, I knew I could be in his scheme,” Davis said. “He likes bigger, faster, taller corners — and I’m that.”
The veteran corner joins a Washington secondary in need of a revamp. The Commanders lost cornerback Kendall Fuller to Miami in free agency, leaving an open starting spot in the rotation. Emmanuel Forbes, Washington’s first-round selection in 2023, struggled in his rookie season and was benched in October.
“What I really add to this defense is my knowledge and experience. This is a young team,” Davis said. “I’ve seen a lot of things in this league, played against the best, beat the best, too. … [I’m bringing] experience and just grit, physicality.”
Davis is the latest seasoned veteran the Commanders have added to an unproven roster. Free-agent acquisitions such as linebacker Bobby Wagner, running back Austin Ekeler and quarterback Marcus Mariota all noted that they’ll bring leadership to Washington’s young locker room.
“In order for a team to restart, you need to have old heads and the young bucks,” Davis said. “That’s the makings of a great team, and that’s exactly what the new general manager and coach Quinn are doing.”
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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