Commanders Could Sign Former First-Round Pass Rusher If Cut

The Washington Commanders put the NFL on notice last year with a turnaround regular season and continued momentum through the NFC playoffs.

After falling short against the eventual Super Bowl champs, general manager Adam Peters has executed a fabulous set of moves this offseason that predict the Commanders to remain contenders throughout star quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract.

Offensively, the team put major attention on the offensive tackle spots signing Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil and drafting first-rounder Josh Conerly Jr to sure up Daniels' protection. A trade for versatile receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. should also strengthen Daniels' pass game, with more on the way once All-Pro wideout Terry McLaurin cleans up his contract situation and returns to the team.

Defensively, Washington isn't supposed to be as productive, but it still found ways to improve multiple areas. The secondary seems filled out with promising rookie Trey Amos and free agent signee Johnathan Jones prospecting to be impactful defensive backs. The linebackers should also be solid in Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner, although fans wouldn't mind seeing a touch more production from them this season compared to last.

The defensive line saw some addressing, but remains the least intimidating part of the Commanders' starting lineup.

Washington followed their "all-in" and "win now" mantras by acquiring veteran contributors, but for the sake of their future pass rush, the organization should look to add more.

Don't expect to trade for a flashy name like Trey Hendrickson or T.J. Watt, but if an intriguing prospect becomes available on the open market, Peters & Co. should investigate.

Last Word On Sports names Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Devin Lloyd as a potential cut candidate.

A former first-round pick who is still just 26 years old? That could be a fit in the nation's capital. Especially if Washington could sign him to a cheap end-of-offseason contract upon his release.

Along the rest of the D-line, Washington has signed defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and edge rusher Deatrich Wise Jr. (30 years old). Having lost sacks leader Dante Fowler Jr. on the edge in free agency, there remains an opening for a starting pass rusher, and ideally one who could stay in that spot for years to come.

Why not throw a dart on Lloyd? The 6-3, 235-pounder showed some flashes of pass-rush ability, but thrived most in racking up takedown numbers. Lloyd finished the year with 113 tackles and seven tackles for loss to go with two sacks.

However ... it's important to think logically:

If he wasn't good enough to stay on the 4-13 Jaguars' roster ... is he even worth pursuing in the first place?