Commanders must sign this shocking free agent to ignite OTAs

Adam Peters never settles. He is always looking for ways to improve the Washington Commanders roster, especially considering the stakes have been raised exponentially after the team's unbelievable run to the NFC Championship game in 2024.

Peters recognized this during the offseason. He made some bold moves that put the NFL on notice. The Commanders have the right blend of youth and experience. They added several key pieces with proven credentials deep into the playoffs. And the general manager won't hesitate to strengthen further if the right opportunities present themselves.

The Commanders are about to ramp up preparations for the upcoming campaign. Phase Three of organized team activities starts next week, followed swiftly by Washington's mandatory minicamp and the all-important training camp later this summer. This is the best time of year to impress. But if Peters doesn't like what he sees, he'll act swiftly to rectify potential issues.

Commanders should sign Preston Smith to raise urgency before OTAs

There's also a chance Peters shakes up the dynamic of OTAs before Phase Three begins. One position group above all else needs some extra juice.

Peters didn't do much to improve the pass rush this offseason. He's confident the new additions can complement what's already available. He even re-signed underperforming players such as Clelin Ferrell, who was found wanting when it counted in the trenches last season.

The Commanders have been patient. Several options remain on the market that could be useful in 2025. Washington is also an attractive destination with its Super Bowl window open, so any productive veteran would jump at the chance to join head coach Dan Quinn's ambitious project at this juncture.

Preston Smith might be at the tail-end of his career with some injury problems over the last two seasons, but he represents a low-risk, high-reward option that would raise urgency immediately. He's got 70.5 sacks throughout his NFL journey and is a stout force against the run. He's also 32 years old with bags of experience in big game environments, which is something Peters looked for early and often when the recruitment period began.

Of course, this wouldn't be Smith's first stint with the franchise. He was a second-round pick by Washington in 2015, spending his first four seasons with the organization. After gaining 24.5 sacks during the span, he opted to do what most ascending players did under previous owner Dan Snyder's watch. He left at the first opportunity to flourish elsewhere.

It wouldn't cost the Commanders much to find out if Smith has anything left to give. And who knows, perhaps it could give others the nervous pressure needed to raise their performance levels along the way.

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