Commanders just saw one of their dream scenarios go up in flames

There are serious concerns about whether the Washington Commanders have enough to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If this scenario comes to fruition, general manager Adam Peters should treat the defensive edge as his biggest priority above all else next spring.

The Commanders are quietly confident that they have enough experience to get the job done. Von Miller's presence brings legitimacy, but there is just no telling how much he's got left in the tank. Dorance Armstrong Jr. has the most upside. Jacob Martin is a journeyman backup, and Deatrich Wise Jr. is seen as a run-stopping specialist at this stage of his career.

Only seventh-round pick Javontae Jean-Baptiste could be classed as anything like a development option. What the Commanders have will suffice for now, but Peters will be all too aware that more is needed to keep Washington's exceptional momentum going in the coming years.

Commanders have one less pass-rusher to target after Nik Bonitto's extension

Some intriguing options will no doubt be available via the draft. Free agency is another possibility, but one potential dream scenario for Washington has officially gone up in flames.

Nik Bonitto has vastly outperformed his second-round billing. His 13.5-sack campaign in 2024 cemented his status as one of the league's most promising young edge rushers. This was recognized by the Denver Broncos, who gave him a bumper new contract extension ahead of their Week 1 opener against the Tennessee Titans.

Bonitto signed a four-year, $106 million extension with the Broncos that also includes $70 million guaranteed. This was a shrewd move by Denver — something that could save them a ton of money if the player achieves another double-digit sack campaign in 2025.

It's unlikely that the Broncos would have let Bonitto hit the open market. They're not that incompetent, so Peters will have to turn his attention to other options before the all-important legal tampering period commences.

Among the high-profile possibilities are Trey Hendrickson, Haason Reddick, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Kwity Paye, and Charles Omenihu. Others will also be considered, but there is a long way to go and a lot of football ahead before those decisions are due.

As for Bonitto? He'll be another long-term cornerstone for a Denver defense that many believe will be the NFL's best this season when it's all said and done. And how the Commanders could use someone with this sort of dynamism and explosiveness before their expected Super Bowl tilt.

Unfortunately, that's not the case. But the Commanders always seem to make the best out of a bad situation under this coaching staff.