For NFL front offices, the action never stops.
The Washington Commanders made a series of roster moves on Monday, including signing cornerbacks Essang Bassey and Antonio Hamilton Sr. and linebacker Duke Riley to the active roster.
In corresponding moves, the Commanders released defensive end Viliami Fehoko Jr., cornerback Allan George and linebacker Dominique Hampton. The Commanders also placed offensive tackle Lucas Niang and cornerback Kevon Seymour on the Reserve/Injured list.
Commanders Hope to Improve Depth on Defense
Bassey has appeared in 43 games (five starts) over his first four NFL seasons. After beginning his career with the Denver Broncos, the 5-foot-10, 190-pound Bassey also played for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Bassey, 26, signed with the Detroit Lions last August but was released later the same month before final cutdowns.
For his career, Bassey has 60 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery.
Hamilton Sr. appeared in 11 games with the Atlanta Falcons last season, totaling seven tackles. During the course of his nine-year career, Hamilton Sr., 32, also played for the Oakland Raiders, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals.
In 109 career games (18 starts), the 6-foot, 188-pound Hamilton has 179 tackles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery.
Riley also has plenty of experience, having appeared in 109 games with 18 starts over nine seasons. In 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, the 6-1, 227-pound Riley had 11 tackles in 17 games, including two starts. The move reunites him with Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, who was in Atlanta when Riley was drafted in the third round (75th overall) in 2017.
All three moves are aimed at improving depth as the Commanders turn their attention to Mondayâs preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Two-Time Super Bowl Winner Out for the Season
The Commandersâ offensive line depth took a hit when Niang suffered a season-ending knee injury in Fridayâs 48-18 loss to the New England Patriots. Quinn later confirmed the injury to be a torn ACL.
Niang, a 2020 third-round pick (96th overall) from TCU, signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with Washington in July after four seasons with the Chiefs. The 6-6, 315-pound Niang started nine games in 2021 and appeared in 33 total games with Kansas City, helping the team win Super Bowls LVII and LVIII.
Niang was not expected to start, but the Commanders were counting on him to provide solid insurance at tackle behind Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil and rookie first-rounder Josh Conerly Jr. Bobby Hart and Tyre Phillips may now be in line for slightly larger roles.
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