Commanders just gained a plausible answer to unresolved pre-camp concern

Defensive reinforcements were a high priority for the Washington Commanders throughout general manager Adam Peters' third offseason at the helm. Based on the signing of veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas before training camp, he is still looking to improve.

Peters always has his finger on the pulse. And there is another development around the NFL that will not go unnoticed by Washington's front-office leader.

According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, free-agent safety Jordan Whitehead now has the green light to ramp up his recovery from neck surgery. The insider also revealed that interest is already considerably high.

Commanders should check in on Jordan Whitehead after encouraging injury update

Whether the Commanders will throw their hat in the ring is anyone's guess. But given the concerns about the safety options behind free-agent signing Nick Cross, it should certainly be considered.

"Veteran S Jordan Whitehead has been fully cleared to resume his football career post-neck surgery by Alex Vaccaro, his surgeon and the Eagles’ spine specialist. Whitehead had recent workouts with the Colts and Texans and is expected to meet with more teams soon."

Whitehead was a fourth-round pick who's carved out a highly productive career for himself. Five of his seven years so far were spent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over two spells, with the New York Jets also having him for a couple of campaigns. While neck injuries are difficult to manage and can flare up again, it's not hard to see why teams are checking in.

Cross was a notable signing for Washington this offseason, but Peters did nothing else to fortify the unit. Those in power believe defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' scheme and teaching can help bring more out of the options available. If that's not the case, the Commanders have more than enough money to make Whitehead an acceptable offer with the chance for prominent playing time.

If the Commanders made their pitch, they wouldn't be alone. Joining the formidable Houston Texans defense would be a difficult proposition to turn down, but he might also be looking for somewhere to log meaningful snaps after working so hard to get back.

The Commanders might be content with what they have, too. Cross will lead the charge, with Will Harris, Quan Martin, Jeremy Reaves, Tyler Owens, and Percy Butler also around. Peters could roll with this safety combination and hope for the best, even if Whitehead has the scope to force his way up the depth chart quickly if there are no lingering effects of his neck complication.

It's a viable option that could provoke a discussion between Washington's power brokers. However, they would need to act quickly to stand the best possible chance of securing Whitehead's services next season.

Because the vultures are already circling.

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This article was originally published on riggosrag.com as Commanders just gained a plausible answer to unresolved pre-camp concern.