Commanders unlikely to pursue pass-rush addition

The Commanders can be expected to evaluate their in-house EDGE options before exploring an outside addition, Ben Standig of The Athletic writes (subscription required). With over $21MM in cap space, plenty of finances are available for a move during the coming weeks. Instead, one may not be made until after camp begins.

Since moving on from both Montez Sweat and Chase Young ahead of the 2023 trade deadline, the Commanders have faced questions about their options along the edge. This spring, Clelin Ferrell was retained but Dante Fowler – who recorded 10.5 sacks upon following Dan Quinn from Dallas to Washington – returned to the Cowboys in free agency. The Commanders have new faces in the form of Deatrich Wise and Jacob Martin.

Those new options will join a group of incumbent defensive ends led by Dorance Armstrong, who was among the ex-Cowboys defenders who headed to the nation’s capital last offseason. Armstrong notched five sacks during his debut Washington campaign, and none of the team’s moves so far – including the decision to avoid drafting any pass rushers – suggest he will not still be counted on as a full-time starter moving forward. After the team’s middling finish in terms of sack totals for 2024 (43), though, there is certainly room for improvement regarding a group which also includes linebacker Frankie Luvu as a part-time pass rusher.

The list of free agent edge rushers includes Za’Darius Smith, Matt Judon, Jadeveon Clowney, Von Miller and Preston Smith. Washington general manager Adam Peters and Co. will thus have plenty of options to consider once training camp opens next month, but unless the team’s in-house options suffer injuries or underperform an addition may very well not take place.