On Monday, the Washington Commanders signed cornerback Michael Davis to a one-year contract, joining running back Austin Ekeler from the Los Angeles Chargers.
Davis, 29, adds a seasoned veteran to Washington’s secondary lineup alongside Benjamin St-Juste and 2023 first-round choice Emmanuel Forbes. Since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2017, he has appeared in 107 games and started 74.
“I felt like this was the best place for me to be, the best place for me to come here and improve myself,” Davis said in an interview. “I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity.”
The opportunity to start and train with young cornerbacks lured Davis to Washington. Davis may not know much about Dan Quinn, but he does know what type of players the new Commanders coach prefers.
“I knew that I could be the perfect fit in his scheme,” he stated. “I know that Dan Quinn likes bigger corners—bbigger, faster, and taller corners—aand I’m that.”
Davis replaces Kendall Fuller, who signed a $16.5 million, two-year contract with the Miami Dolphins after spending six of the previous eight seasons with Washington.
Davis is one of several senior players signed by new general manager Adam Peters since the start of free agency, including Ekeler, quarterback Marcus Mariota, tight end Zach Ertz, and six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner. He believes his experience in the league will be beneficial, particularly for Forbes, who was benched during his first year due to problems.
“I know this is a young team,” Davis explained. “I’ve seen a lot of things, played against the best, and beat the best, too, so I’m coming here with experience.”
And he’ll have a familiar face to aid with the transition, as Ekeler inked a two-year contract worth up to $11.43 million last week. Ekeler, who turns 29 in May, stated that the commanders’ strong interest in him influenced his decision to sign with them.
So was the potential to team up with Brian Robinson Jr. as an inside-outside running back tandem. Ekeler envisions it being similar to when he played in the backfield with Melvin Gordon in Los Angeles.
“I’ll score some touchdowns for you, that’s for sure, if you can get me in the red zone and find a way to get the ball in some space,” said Ekeler, who led the league in all-purpose touchdowns in 2021 and 22.
Ekeler’s six touchdowns in 14 games last season were restricted by injuries, including sprained ankles. Now he has a fresh start and the opportunity to rejoin former Chargers coach Anthony Lynn, who now oversees Washington’s running backs.
“This man is an absolute guru,” Ekeler explained. “Just being back in a room with him, I know, will definitely keep me focused, keep me locked in and give me the best opportunity to push myself as a player.”
