After spending a season with the Washington Commanders, the team is shopping cornerback Noah Igbinoghene since the team already has a rebuilding secondary unit. According to several reports, the Commanders have a ton of tough decisions to make, and unfortunately for the cornerback, the team is looking to trade him. Originally selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Auburn product had a productive season last year, recording 55 tackles, seven passes defensed and 1.5 stuffs. He had a solid season, reuniting with head coach Dan Quinn after spending a year in Dallas the previous campaign in 2023.
It’s no wonder the Commanders are trying to make him available for teams to reach out for an offer. He has a ton of value in this situation, and instead of releasing him, the team feels like they could get something in return for him. Igbinoghene should be able to join a team soon with a trade, as he’s not only been a reliable cornerback, but he’s also been able to stay healthy and can play inside or outside the slot. It’s worth keeping him around if the Commanders can’t find anything, but after drafting Trey Amos with the second-round pick this past year’s draft and signing Jonathan Jones, it’s difficult to think that he has a long-term future in Washington.
Aug 8, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (6) tackles New England Patriots receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (1) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Potential Fits
Dallas Cowboys
Why not? The Dallas Cowboys have easily one of the most questionable cornerback units. While Trevon Diggs is returning to the active roster at full health, anything can happen on the field when it comes down to it. This is why they traded for Kaiir Elam this offseason for depth in case they need the extra body later on in the season. DaRon Bland is entering the final year of his contract and cannot afford to lose him in the big moments.
It’ll be difficult to retain Bland after this season since they’re already hesitant on giving Micah Parsons a new deal. With that, the Commanders might ever trade to Dallas, but if they receive a substantial offer, Igbinoghene’s return could come to fruition.
Minnesota Vikings
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings had one of the league’s best secondary units last season. However, they didn’t retain Stephon Gilmore due to cap space and instead signed Isaiah Rodgers as a safe, low-stakes replacement. They could use the depth behind one of the best cornerbacks, Byron Murphy Jr., and Igbinoghene is the best bet.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Carolina Panthers finally made a few investments in their defense this offseason after building an offense that’s reliable for quarterback Bryce Young. Between Michael Jackson and Jaycee Horn, no one is taking their job anytime soon since the team signed them both to an extension. Igbinoghene doesn’t need to start to make an impact, and his presence could be useful, especially in special teams.
Cincinnati Bengals
After letting Mike Hilton walk in free agency, the Cincinnati Bengals haven’t done much in the cornerback room. Unfortunately, it’s not like they can afford it right now, given that they gave most of their cap space to Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson. Between Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner, there is room for improvement, and trading for Igbinoghene could be a low-stakes situation if it’s done right with a solid draft pick.