Commanders dodge major bullet as rumored target suffers familiar setback

Sometimes, the best moves are the ones you don't make. That proved true for the Washington Commanders and a rumored target in free agency who signed elsewhere.

It's no secret that the Commanders were on the lookout for prolific veteran edge rushers this offseason. Adam Peters didn't splash the cash on any big names, opting to sign Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jacob Martin with little financial outlay attached. Anyone hoping for a marquee arrival was out of luck.

Contending teams were picked off by others. The Commanders didn't even bring a dynamic young force into the fold with one of their five selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. That only raises doubts further about whether Washington has enough to generate pressure consistently.

Joey Bosa was a rumored Commanders target, now he's injured again

One player touted as a potential option for the Commanders hasn't got off to the best start in his new environment. Joey Bosa was released by the Los Angeles Chargers after suffering significant injury complications over recent years. He joined the Buffalo Bills as a ready-made replacement for Von Miller, but it hasn't taken long for things to turn sour.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott revealed that Bosa pulled his calf muscle and will be out for the foreseeable future. He doesn't expect the All-Pro back until training camp, which represents another blow for a once-prolific playmaker who cannot catch a break these days.

If the Commanders were contemplating Bosa as an option, which is realistic when one considers his previous connection to Anthony Lynn, they've had a lucky escape. The former Ohio State standout could get back to optimum fitness in time for the season, but history is not on his side. Given how the Bills are expecting an immediate return on their investment, the stakes have been raised in no uncertain terms.

That doesn't quash the concerns surrounding Washington's current options on the edge. However, it provides an enormous sense of relief among the fan base that the Commanders didn't make a play for Bosa.

Whether the Commanders have enough game-wreckers to improve things defensively is a topic for another day.

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