Commanders' buzz intensifies as analyst backs edge rush upgrade

Adam Peters will be keeping a close eye on developments in the coming weeks. Preparations are ramping up for Phase 3 of the Washington Commanders' offseason program. And most fans have their eyes firmly set on the team's edge rushing unit.

The Commanders' options are nowhere near the same standard as anything else in the NFC East. For all the New York Giants' faults, they have a prolific pass rush that was bolstered further by the arrival of No. 2 pick Abdul Carter. Washington is lagging in this critical area unless someone makes a surprising surge forward.

That's the cold, hard truth of the matter. Peters is confident in the options available. But if there's not complete satisfaction throughout organized team activities and Washington's mandatory minicamp, the Commanders have enough spare financial resources to add one or two more proven veterans if they deem it necessary.

NFL analyst throws more weight behind Commanders' potential push for Jadeveon Clowney

One name is being linked to the Commanders more than anyone else. Moe Moton from The Bleacher Report became the latest to tie Jadeveon Clowney with a switch to Washington, something the analyst believes can give Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense another dependable piece with plenty of experience.

Last season, Dante Fowler Jr. led Washington in sacks with 10.5. In free agency, he signed with his former team, the Cowboys. The Commanders have tried to shore up the defensive end position, signing Deatrich Wise and Jacob Martin. They can continue to stockpile veterans to bolster their pass-rushing committee. At 32, [Jadeveon] Clowney can be productive in a rotational role. Last year, he recorded 46 tackles, nine for loss, 5.5 sacks and 22 pressures while on the field for 64 percent of the defensive snaps.Moe Moton

There's nothing concrete attached to these rumors. Clowney would help enormously, but whether the Commanders throw their hat in the ring is another matter.

Clowney was unceremoniously removed from the Carolina Panthers' plans after just one season. General manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales are going younger, and he was blindsided by being the odd man out. Despite this disappointment, the former No. 1 pick out of South Carolina thinks he's got a lot more to give.

He might not have reached the generational heights expected coming out of college, but Clowney is a three-time Pro Bowler with exceptional attributes against the run. He's savvy enough to generate pressure consistently and is a strong leadership presence in the locker room. That seems like a good fit for what Washington has and continues to build.

There doesn't seem much urgency from Peters' standpoint, especially considering his offseason moves so far. But whether it's Clowney or someone else, another edge force is critical to the team's hopes of going deep into the playoffs once again.

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