LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 25: Washington Commanders Flag flies during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders on September 25, 2022 at Fedex Field in Landover, MD. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Commanders Urged to Sign Panthers Free Agent to Replace Kamren Curl
The Washington Commanders need to keep all of the good players they can to help a rebuild, but if they have to lose safety Kamren Curl in NFL free agency, they should replace him with Jeremy Chinn of the Carolina Panthers.
That’s the verdict of Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder. He describes Curl as “a ‘do-it-all’ safety this year, lining up in the box, deep and over the slot.”
A defensive back so versatile will be tough to replace, but Holder also noted how “Chinn has a similar skill set and plays in a similar role on Carolina’s defense. He’s also still pretty young as he’ll be 26 years old in February, so the Commanders could get a suitable replacement for one of their best defensive players without having to sacrifice too much youth at the position.”
If they can’t keep Curl, the Commanders would be wise to look at Chinn, who excels in a role crucial to modern defense.
Jeremy Chinn is an Ideal Kamren Curl Replacement
There won’t be a more natural fit to replace Curl on the veteran market than Chinn. The latter is equally adept at safety or linebacker, has played nickel or dime back.
Lines between those positions have become blurred in recent years. Defensive coordinators want coverage-ready players in the box who can still hit in run support and create pressure on the blitz
Chinn showcased his talent blitzing for this sack against the New Orleans Saints in 2022, highlighted by Pro Football Culture.
Injuries have limited Chinn’s development, with a quad strain landing him on injured reserve in October. He’s only appeared in nine games this season, but Chinn has still posted some impressive numbers.
They include allowing eight completions from 13 targets in pass coverage. Chinn has also blitzed 10 times, generating a sack and a pressure, per Pro Football Reference.
Those are solid statistics even though Chinn’s role has changed this season. He’s played less linebacker and moved into the slot.
The move hasn’t always done Chinn any favors. He’s struggled at times in coverage, like against tight end Kyle Pitts and the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, per Ted Nguyen of The Athletic.
