Commanders target finally reveals bizarre reason for rejecting Dan Quinn

The Washington Commanders are depending heavily on their veteran players to lead the charge in 2025. But according to one established figure who eventually signed elsewhere, they missed out on a particular target in free agency with close connections to head coach Dan Quinn.

And the reason was nothing short of bizarre, reflecting poorly on the player's ambition.

It's no secret that the Commanders needed more on their defensive front this offseason. Dante Fowler Jr. departed for the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Washington released Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen after no willing trade suitor came forward. Javon Kinlaw was their high-profile addition, but DeMarcus Lawrence reportedly spurned their advances in favor of joining the Seattle Seahawks.

DeMarcus Lawrence didn't think he could be of use to the Commanders

This was new information that caused an inevitable stir among the fan base. Lawrence played for Quinn on the Cowboys, but the reunion attempt was knocked back by the player. During an appearance on The Pivot, the edge force didn't want to jump on the bandwagon just because the Commanders are a contending franchise these days.

Had an opportunity to sign with Washington. That's a championship-contending team. Me personally, I'm not a big bandwagon guy. I'm not going to sit here and jump on a team because y'all have a good opportunity to go to the championship. Like, what am I needed for? If y'all already got that type of team, y'all don't need me. It's all about me bringing my attitude and personality to a team to help us get to where we need to be.DeMarcus Lawrence

So, to be clear, Lawrence chose not to join the Commanders because he didn't want to contend and didn't believe he was needed. Seems like a bad attitude to have. And if Quinn actively sought him out in free agency, that indicates Washington had a role in mind for the four-time Pro Bowler.

It's a strange outlook from Lawrence's perspective. But the fact that Washington reportedly only offered him a one-year deal compared to the Seahawks' three-year agreement probably tipped the scales a lot more.

The Commanders pivoted quickly, signing Deatrich Wise Jr. from the New England Patriots. He's been a notable standout throughout the summer, which is encouraging. Whether he can form a prolific defensive end partnership with Dorance Armstrong Jr. when things matter more is another matter.

Lawrence spent most of last season on the shelf due to injury, and his production before that was on the decline. Perhaps he legitimately thought he would be of no use to Quinn, and the added burden of coming from a bitter division rival brings a different pressure some can't handle.

The former second-round pick out of Boise State can do whatever he likes. Disclosing his reasoning publicly was the odd part.

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