Whispers surrounding team leaders: Two ex-Pro Bowl athletes correlated with Washington, potential solution for immediate void
Original Rewrite:
Putting Edge Rushers on the Agenda:
The Washington Commanders might've bolstered their defense in free agency, but their pass-rushing remains a glaring issue. With the 2025 NFL Draft in the books and no significant edge rusher added, General Manager Adam Peters could revisit the free-agent market, where veterans like Za'Darius Smith and Von Miller are still lurking.
According to ESPN's John Keim, pass-rushing is still Washington's primary concern. Players like Smith and Miller, with their untapped potential, could catch Peters' attention.
"The Commanders' current edge rushers managed a combined 5.5 sacks last season after losing Dante Fowler Jr. and his 10.5 sacks," Keim mentioned. "Despite picking up depth for run defense, the Commanders' pass rush could use another boost. As such, veterans like Smith and Miller, among others, are worth considering."
Despite a seasoned defensive line, the Commanders lack a true edge-rushing threat. Both Smith and Miller might not be the players they once were, but either would offer valuable leadership and pass-rush presence to the team. Smith registered four sacks in just eight games with the Detroit Lions in 2024.
Draft Day Disappointment for Commanders
The Commanders concluded the 2025 NFL Draft with only five players, one of the fewest in the league. Of these, only two were defensive players, and not a single defensive lineman was picked.
Kicking off the draft with offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr., cornerback Trey Amos became the Commanders' first defensive pick in the second round. Washington went for receiver Jaylin Lane in the fourth round, followed by linebacker Kain Medrano in the sixth. They finished the draft with running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round.
A series of trades led to most of the Commanders' offseason acquisitions happening in free agency rather than the draft. Regardless, Amos and Medrano have a chance to make their presence felt given the Commanders' lack of depth at cornerback and linebacker.
Enrichment Data:
Veteran free-agents Za'Darius Smith (69 career sacks) and Von Miller (123.5 career sacks) are reportedly being considered by the Commanders to strengthen their pass-rushing game.
Frankie Luvu (linebacker) and Deatrich Wise Jr. provide supplementary pressure but are not primary edge threats.
The Commanders previously showed interest in DeMarcus Lawrence and Joey Bosa early in free agency, signaling their willingness to pursue established veterans.
- The Washington Commanders, despite adding depth to their defense in free agency, still have a pressing need for improvement in their pass-rushing due to a lack of edge rushers.
- In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Commanders focused more on offense and only picked five players, with no defensive linemen selected.
- Trey Amos and Kain Medrano, the Commanders' only defensive picks from the 2025 draft, could have an opportunity to make their presence felt due to the team's lack of depth at cornerback and linebacker respectively.
- In light of their draft day disappointment, the Commanders could consider signing veteran free-agents Za'Darius Smith (with 69 career sacks) and Von Miller (with 123.5 career sacks) to strengthen their pass-rushing game.
- The presence of veterans like Smith and Miller, even though they may not be the players they once were, could offer valuable leadership and pass-rush presence to the Commanders.
- In the American football world, also known as NFL or sports-analysis, the Commanders will likely continue to explore various strategies, including trading draft picks or signing veterans, to address their pass-rushing woes ahead of the 2025 season.
