The Washington Commanders announced on Tuesday that they have released former starting safety Will Harris. Harris, 30, appeared in the first three games of the 2025 season before suffering a fractured fibula. He returned in Week 13 against Denver and started all nine games he played, posting 38 tackles, one sack, three passes defended and a forced fumble.
Roster moves and depth additions
In addition to Harris’s release, the team made several other personnel changes. Outside linebacker Drake Jackson, 25, was placed on injured reserve after a hamstring injury ended his season. The Commanders also released rookie safety Malik Spencer.
To fill the gaps, Washington signed outside linebacker Boogie Basham, 28, and added three safeties: Joshuah Bledsoe, 27, Quindell Johnson, 26, and veteran free agent Nick Cross, who was acquired in the offseason. The club is also counting on returning veterans Jeremy Reaves and Quan Martin, the latter having intercepted two passes in the first two preseason games.
Harris’s career overview
Will Harris entered the NFL as a third‑round pick of the Detroit Lions in the 2019 draft out of Boston College. Over his career, he has compiled 358 tackles, three interceptions, 2.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, 22 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 103 regular‑season games, including 62 starts. His tenure includes stints with the Lions (2019‑2023), the New Orleans Saints (2024) and the Commanders (2025).
Implications for the secondary
The Commanders’ secondary will now rely on a blend of experience and youth. Reaves and Martin bring familiarity with the defensive scheme, while the newly signed safeties provide depth and competition for roster spots. The team’s front office hopes these moves will improve consistency and health across the defensive unit as the season progresses.
Looking ahead
Washington’s coaching staff has not detailed how the roster changes will affect upcoming game plans, but the additions suggest a focus on reinforcing the pass‑defense and ensuring adequate coverage against both the run and the pass. Fans can expect to see the new safeties compete for playing time during the remainder of the season.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
