Commanders cut veteran safety Will Harris, reshaping secondary

The Washington Commanders released veteran safety Will Harris after one season, a move that comes as the team reshapes its back end following the signing of Nick Cross earlier in the offseason. Harris, 30, had 38 tackles and a sack in nine games last year, but was bumped from the starting mix and was released as Washington added three new players in safeties Joshuah Bledsoe and Quindell Johnson, plus outside linebacker Boogie Basham. In addition to Harris’s exit, Malik Spencer was also released, while Drake Jackson was placed on injured reserve as the club shuffled its depth ahead of final roster cuts. The Commanders quickly filled some gaps by signing Basham and the safeties, a move aimed at boosting both pass rushing and depth in the secondary. Harris’s release was framed as a business decision by coach Dan Quinn and general manager personnel, with the move allowing him to seek opportunities elsewhere. The changes underscore Washington’s ongoing effort to balance veteran leadership with youth at multiple positions on defense.