Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn spoke candidly Monday afternoon about the team’s difficult decision to release rookie cornerback Fentrell Cypress following the return of wide receiver Terry McLaurin to camp.

We have made the following roster moves:
– Reinstated WR Terry McLaurin from Reserve/Did Not Report and placed him on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List
– Released CB Fentrell Cypress pic.twitter.com/MCGgMeskXj

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 27, 2025

The move came after the Commanders shifted McLaurin from the Reserve/Did Not Report list to the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list due to an ankle injury. Needing a corresponding roster spot, Washington released Cypress, an undrafted free agent out of Florida State.

Dan Quinn Commanders Insight on Cypress

Quinn addressed the media before Washington’s first padded practice of training camp and explained how the coaching staff and front office handled the conversation with Cypress.

“The first thing is that there’s going to be football ahead for him, and as part of the games go, and [General Manager] Adam [Peters] visited with him, they had a good conversation about what’s next and how do you come back,” Quinn said.

“But I can comment on what I saw and through the OTAs, through the start of it, this is a person that has the ability to play two spots as a DB and anytime you can do that, that adds a lot of value to what you can do. And so sometimes you have to show enough to say, ‘Okay, we want to continue that,’ and he’s that type of player.”

Why Cypress Was Cut

Cypress was one of the Commanders’ most notable undrafted signings this offseason and came with strong evaluations from Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. But cornerback is suddenly a position of strength for Washington.

With second-round pick Trey Amos impressing in camp, Marshon Lattimore healthy, and Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones, and Noah Igbinoghene rounding out the top five, there was little room left for depth pieces. Fellow UDFA Car’lin Vigers is expected to compete for a practice squad spot.

What This Says About Washington’s Depth

While releasing a promising rookie like Cypress is difficult, it’s a reflection of how far Washington’s secondary has come under the new regime. The Commanders are no longer searching for answers at corner—they’re managing a crowded room filled with proven talent and emerging young contributors.

Quinn made it clear that the door isn’t fully closed for Cypress, and he expects the rookie to get another opportunity elsewhere.

“He’s that type of player.”