Commanders caught asleep at the wheel as prolific veteran joins bitter rival

The Washington Commanders are confident in their current edge-rushing options. Fans are less bullish, so it'll be interesting to see if those who'll be tasked with significant responsibilities can produce the goods during a high-stakes campaign for the franchise.

Adam Peters is taking a calculated risk. This was magnified by a prolific veteran pass-rusher going overlooked, eventually joining one of Washington's biggest obstacles in its quest for a Super Bowl.

And it also happens to be a bitter division rival to rub further salt into the wound.

Commanders didn't sign Za'Darius Smith, and now he's joined the Eagles

One thing became painfully obvious during the Philadelphia Eagles' regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. They managed to sneak a narrow victory to begin the campaign, but Vic Fangio's defense missed the presence of Milton Williams and Josh Sweat. Both signed big-money deals elsewhere in free agency, which is the unfortunate price of success in the NFL.

Howie Roseman, much like Peters, isn't one to sit on his hands when problems arise. The Eagles recognized the need to find another productive presence capable of generating pressure consistently. They accomplished this feat swiftly, signing three-time Pro Bowler Za'Darius Smith to a one-year deal.

Smith didn't get a new deal from the Detroit Lions this offseason. He bided his time throughout the summer in pursuit of finding the right opportunity. This patience was rewarded in the best possible way, and he'll now get the chance to help Philadelphia retain its crown.

This puts Smith in the Commanders' crosshairs later in the campaign and potentially the postseason if everything goes according to plan for both. Washington was heavily linked with the fourth-round pick out of Kentucky this offseason. Peters resisted the temptation, bringing the likes of Von Miller, Jacob Martin, and Deatrich Wise Jr. to the organization instead.

Whether this comes back to haunt Peters is anyone's guess. Smith might take a while to shake off the rust, but this signing is one Philadelphia made for a little later in the campaign and into the playoffs.

Smith is an experienced figure with 69 career sacks. He's firmly in the twilight of his professional journey, but the nine sacks for two clubs last season suggest there is still some good football left in the tank. If he performs well and Washington's chosen signings all fluff their lines, questions will be asked.

There is a long way to go before any possible finger-pointing begins. But Smith joining the Eagles represents the worst-case scenario for the Commanders if he hits the ground running.