Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders Set To Poach Dorance Armstrong Jr. From Cowboys

Originally posted on NFL Analysis Network
By Kenneth Teape | Last updated 3/11/24

The Washington Commanders underwent an overhaul already this offseason. With new ownership led by Josh Harris, the franchise saw a clean sweep of the front office and coaching staff.

In the front office, Adam Peters was named general manager and he tabbed Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as head coach. They have their work cut out for them, as finding a quarterback is their biggest order of business this offseason. Alas, it is far from the team’s only need.

With the NFL’s legal tampering period now open, the Commanders have gotten on the board with their first reported deal. According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Washington is close to finalizing a deal with Dorance Armstrong Jr.

Armstrong will be reuniting with Quinn in the nation’s capital after the two spent time together with the Cowboys. He spent the first six seasons of his career in Dallas after being a fourth-round pick out of Kansas in the 2018 NFL Draft.

BREAKING: Free agent DT Dorance Armstrong is close to finalizing a deal with the #Commanders, sources tell @BleacherReport.

He would reunite with Dan Quinn. pic.twitter.com/b86hV3VvHo
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 11, 2024

Ahead of the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline, the Commanders traded away Montez Sweat and Chase Young. They were committed to improving the future outlook of the franchise, but it created a major void in the defensive lineup.

Without those two, the Commanders struggled to get after the quarterback with any regularity. Armstrong is a nice first step in changing that, as he showed some impressive pass-rushing ability in the last few seasons with the Cowboys.

Despite never being a starter and only playing in a rotation, Armstrong registered at least 5.0 sacks in each of the last three seasons. All three of those seasons came playing under Quinn, so it made sense that he would want to continue playing under him with a new franchise.

Armstrong has true breakout potential in Washington in 2024. A double-digit sack season is certainly within reach with an expanded role likely awaiting him. Playing alongside two excellent defensive tackles, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, certainly will make like easier for Armstrong as well.

This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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