The Detroit Lions have shuffled their roster this offseason, but one of the more expected moves was the departure of Amik Robertson. The 27-year-old is coming off of the worst years of his career and both sides were looking for a fresh start. But while the move was seen a mile away, it was more of a question as to where Robertson would sign in free agency.
Ultimately, Robertson signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Commanders and assumed the same role he had in Detroit as a starting nickel corner. But while Robertson will be well-compensated, the Commanders may not have been as great of a fit as it appears as he joins a team desperate to win and save their jobs.
Commanders Desperate Shopping Spree Puts More Pressure on Former Lions CB Amik Robertson
The Commanders appeared to be an ascending team when they upset Robertson and the Lions in the 2024 playoffs. But everything went sideways during the 2025 campaign. Dan Quinn’s defense ranked 27th with 26.5 points allowed per game and quarterback Jayden Daniels was one of many players that struggled with injuries after winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
The end result was a 5-12 record and a slew of changes in Washington. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt were both fired and the Commanders went hard in free agency trying to fill their deficiencies.
Robertson was one of the signings to fill the void, but Lions fans may argue he shouldn’t have been. According to Pro Football Focus, Robertson allowed 65 catches for 817 yards and six touchdowns with an interception, nine pass breakups and three penalties (one declined) on 97 targets.
While his 2024 performance was much better (47 catches, 601 yards, two touchdowns, seven pass breakups with four penalties on 81 targets), it also shows his mercurial play on the field that could hurt the Commanders in the long run.
This wasn’t the only risk the Commanders took in free agency. Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, Leo Chenal and Nick Cross are projected to be starters for Washington next season after signing on the dotted line and Washington ranks fourth in free agent spending at $252.9 million according to Over The Cap.
Most teams do this when rostering a quarterback on a rookie deal, but there’s usually a reason why players become available. Ask the Minnesota Vikings, who were one of the biggest spenders in free agency one year ago, but missed the playoffs when Ryan Kelly, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were among the signings that busted.
While Washington has a better quarterback situation than the Vikings had with J.J. McCarthy, there’s also a chance things don’t work out, Quinn and general manager Adam Peters get fired and Robertson never sees the second year of his contract as these signings are swept out.
It feels a little doom and gloom, but it could have been better in Detroit. While the Lions pivoted to sign Roger McCreary, Robertson knew the scheme DC Kelvin Sheppard wanted to run and had plenty of success just two years ago.Â
Of course, Detroit may have thought the relationship ran its course and McCreary came on a one-year, $1.4 million contract. But while Robertson knew he was on his way out of town, he may have missed the landing and landed in a desperate situation with a team that must win to keep everyone employed in 2026.