Commanders Could Bolster Pass Rush With Veteran Defensive End

The Washington Commanders took a lot of pride in their defense this past season, but there are a few areas where they could stand to improve in 2025.

While they were still in the top half of the league in sacks, they were near the top of the NFL in a lot of other stats. So their pass rushing is one of the things that could be improved.

And there is one available free agent that could help them do just that.

As the days go on, there are fewer and fewer viable free agents left on the market, but veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith is still available. He spent this past season with the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions, until the latter cut him back in March.

Now, a team like the Commanders could be in a position to capitalize on that move.

Despite the fact that Smith will be 33 years old when the 2025 season starts, he was still solid this past season. He racked up nine sacks, 35 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 17 quarterback hits.

The Commanders' young quarterback, Jayden Daniels, has put them in an immediate position to contend, so building up the roster around him with veterans could be in the team's best interests.

Washington lost in the NFC Championship this past season to the eventual Super Bowl champions in the Philadelphia Eagles, so signing a free agent like Smith could be something for the team to consider to give them an edge in the competitive NFC East.