5 intriguing free-agent edge rushers the Commanders must consider in 2025

Although the Washington Commanders are coming off their best campaign in decades, general manager Adam Peters still has a significant amount of hard work ahead this offseason. With free agency on the immediate horizon, it promises to be a frantic few weeks that will shape the franchise's chances in 2025.

Peters has 28 free agents. Some will be extended as the Commanders look to reward those who gave so much during the previous campaign. Washington is also armed with substantial financial resources to acquire some immediate difference-makers in pursuit of getting over the hump.

The Commanders won't be reckless with their spending. They have a long-term plan and find themselves in a stronger position than anticipated entering Peters' second recruitment period. At the same time, their Super Bowl window is open. The time to strike is now.

Washington is an attractive destination again. They have a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract. There are holes to fill, but Peters can be aggressive if the right opportunities present themselves.

Adding to the defense is among Peters' biggest priorities. This bears more significance in the trenches and bolstering the team's edge-rushing options. Nothing else will do in pursuit of keeping pace with the Philadelphia Eagles.

With this in mind, here are five free-agent edge rushers the Commanders must consider in 2025.

Free-agent edge rushers the Commanders must consider in 2025

Commanders must consider Azeez Ojulari

Azeez Ojulari was the subject of trade speculation before the 2024 trade deadline. No deal materialized, so the New York Giants have a big decision to make regarding the promising edge defender.

Ojulari's been a dependable rotational edge rusher throughout his career. He's missed time with injury, but the impressive flashes suggest he could thrive further in a better environment. The former Georgia standout is versatile and athletic — two traits Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. look for in their defenders.

Gaining consistent momentum was difficult for Ojulari in 2024. He still managed six sacks and 22 pressures from 58 percent of the team's defensive snaps, but the player was behind Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux in the pecking order. This represents a good chance for him to spread his wings and carve out a bigger role elsewhere.

The Washington Commanders should inquire if he hits the market. Much will depend on the money involved, but Ojulari is young, entering his prime, and looking for a chance. That was an essential element of the team's recruitment during Adam Peters' first offseason. Weakening a division rival — albeit a weaker one considering their desperate search for quarterback help — only sweetens the pot.

Commanders must consider Khalil Mack

The Washington Commanders had no problem with signing aging players last season. So long as they were confident they could flourish on the field and make an impact in the locker room, age didn't matter.

Zach Ertz and Bobby Wagner fitted the mold. They came into the franchise with clear objectives and achieved them in no uncertain terms. Considering the Commanders are already in win-now mode, it's an avenue they could go down again depending on which players become available.

While Khalil Mack is firmly in his career twilight, the production in 2024 remained extremely high. The former first-round pick contemplated retirement this offseason before announcing his decision to continue playing. The Los Angeles Chargers want to keep him around, but the Commanders could strike for a short-term option capable of providing an immediate upgrade on the edge.

Mack only gained six sacks in 2024. However, his ability to set the edge against the run saw him emerge as one of the league's best in this discipline. He led the league in batted passes and had 49 pressures, so his production was well-rounded en route to yet another Pro Bowl selection.

This project could entice Mack, although leaving Jim Harbaugh and the California sunshine behind would be difficult. He's not getting any younger, but neither were Ertz and Wagner when they joined the ranks.

Commanders must consider Josh Sweat

If the Commanders want to go bolder, one name stands out above all else. Something that would significantly dent their bitter division rival for good measure.

Josh Sweat made himself a ton of money during the 2024 campaign. He was a relentless force coming off the edge as the Philadelphia Eagles won the championship. His electrifying Super Bowl performance against the Kansas City Chiefs only added dollars to his demands.

Sweat gained 10.5 sacks in total (regular season and playoffs). He displayed improved gap discipline against the run, recognizing where the football was going and arriving at the contact point with violence. His ability to produce in the biggest moments won't go unnoticed by others around the league if the Eagles let him test free agency.

The Commanders would be wise to inquire. Placing a call to see if Sweat is willing to leave one NFC East team for another comes with benefits aplenty. This also represents a huge upgrade on anything Washington has in its edge rushing room right now.

This won't be cheap. Sweat will be among the most coveted free agents if the Eagles let things get that far. The former fourth-round pick is expected to get more than $20 million per season on his next deal. Whether the Commanders are willing to pay remains to be seen.

Commanders must consider Malcolm Koonce

Not every signing is going to be a marquee name. The Washington Commanders added several high-profile individuals throughout Adam Peters' first offseason. They also acquired some rough diamonds that ended up playing important roles over the 2024 campaign.

Malcolm Koonce is a wild card — something of a forgotten man heading into free agency. Things looked promising for the edge rusher after gaining eight sacks for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. His promising momentum came to an abrupt halt when a serious knee injury ruled him out for the entire season.

This is dependent on medical assessments. Teams will be reluctant to commit a massive sum to the player. Koonce might have to accept a one-year, prove-it deal if the Raiders move on. That could work in the Commanders' favor when one factors everything into the equation.

The Commanders are ready to contend. They could offer Koonce a decent role looking at their lack of edge-rushing options. He's also in his prime at 27 years old when the 2025 campaign begins. That makes the Buffalo product a potential long-term option if everything goes well.

A bidding war might drive the price up, but it wouldn't hurt the Commanders to inquire. If the price is too high, they'll look elsewhere for alternatives.

Commanders must consider Joseph Ossai

Adam Peters is a methodical roster builder. He looks for value rather than splashing the cash on big names who are past their peak performance levels. Of course, that was a mistake made constantly by the previous owner on Washington's downward spiral to rock bottom.

Taking a chance on young players who could become more over time is essential. Finding hungry players looking for a fresh start on one-year deals was a recipe for success in 2024. That won't change despite the need to be more aggressive.

That brings Joseph Ossai under the microscope. The Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher is dependable and demonstrated encouraging progress last season. He's not the finished article just yet, but it's also worth remembering he's still 24 years old with a lot of good football left.

Ossai has the athletic attributes to develop further under the expert guidance of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. His explosiveness and improving ability against the run represent a ready-made replacement for Dante Fowler Jr. if he takes his chances elsewhere in free agency.

It'll be fascinating to see how Peters approaches this issue. This is also a deep draft class for edge rushers, which fits the general manager's preferred approach. That said, adding someone with Ossai's upside to the rotation wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.

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