Analyst begs Commanders to snag Pro Bowl edge rusher before it's too late

It's no secret that the Washington Commanders' fan base is concerned about the team's edge rushing options heading into the 2025 campaign. Adam Peters seems happy enough, but the group looks thin of dependable options and easily the NFC East's worst as things stand.

There are still options available if Peters decides further reinforcements are needed. More will enter the fray when teams begin releasing veteran performers who are no longer worth their lofty price tag. One such example is still sitting on the market, and an NFL analyst believes the Commanders should kick the tires on Jadeveon Clowney to help their Super Bowl push.

Commanders urged to solve their pass-rushing woes with Jadeveon Clowney

Brad Crawford from CBS Sports thought the Commanders needed to examine Clowney's credentials in greater detail. The analyst centered his thoughts around the recent departure of Dante Fowler Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys and the former No. 1 pick's rising dependability on the health front as reasons Washington should pull the trigger.

The Commanders are one of several teams in need of edge rush help, and surprisingly, failed to pick up one in the NFL Draft. After losing Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency after his 10.5-sack season in 2024, that's a major hole to fill for Washington in its quest to return to the NFC Championship — and beyond. While it's no guarantee the former South Carolina standout can stay injury-free in 2025 given his career medical report, he did play in 14 games last season for the Panthers -- all starts -- and appeared in 17 games during the 2023 campaign for the Baltimore Ravens.Brad Crawford

Clowney thinks he's still got plenty of juice left. The Carolina Panthers released him after spending their Day 2 picks on Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. That didn't go down well with the veteran, who was one of the few shining lights on Ejiro Evero's historically bad defense in 2024.

Although Clowney developed a reputation for being a mercenary throughout his career, he's experienced and reliable. The South Carolina graduate is still a supreme force against the run. And his leeadership qualities came in for significant praise as all around him crumbled in Carolina last season.

Much will depend on the money involved, but it's not hard to see why Clowney could help the Commanders. This is a team ready to win now, so it's an attractive destination that will entice almost any veteran player still looking for employment.

Peters might want to see how the options currently on the books fare over OTAs and Washington's mandatory minicamp before taking further action. If he opts for another capable performer, Clowney is arguably the best available.

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