The Washington Commanders' offense will be plenty equipped to make them contenders again in the NFC this season, but the defense - especially the pass rush - leaves a lot to be desired ... especially in an NFC East division where elite defensive lines are the norm.
Washington added solid defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, but the edge rusher group is slim after losing a double-digit sack total in Dante Fowler Jr. after he jumped to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in free agency.
Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell are the current starting defensive ends. Although we are deep into the offseason, there are still multiple veteran defenders still seeking a new contract that could be an upgrade on the edge.
Bleacher Report named the Commanders as a best landing spot for one of them: Za'Darius Smith of the Detroit Lions.
"For the last decade, all Za'Darius Smith has done is be a productive pass-rusher with five different teams," Matt Holder said. "He’s racked up 69 career sacks in 140 games, including nine with the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions in 2024."
Washington had the third-best pass defense last season, but that's expected to drop with the loss of its sack leader. The Commanders also got torched on the ground to the tune of 137.5 opponent rushing yards per game - third-worst in the NFL in 2024.
Kinlaw will be a help here, but the Commanders should still be in search of someone who can fortify the edge in both the run and pass games.
Smith's pedigree in stopping the run isn't great, but his addition could add depth and high-level experience along with his impressive sack totals.
" ... The soon-to-be 33-year-old has never been known as a stout run defender and is getting up there in age, likely pushing him into a pass-rush specialist role moving forward," Holder added. "But a team that’s in the market for a veteran who can contribute on third downs should at least kick the tires on the three-time Pro Bowler."
Holder also mentioned how the Commanders are in an advantageous point in their current history with franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels sitting on an inexpensive rookie contract for the next three seasons.
It will be crucial to build around him with veteran pieces while they have the funds to do so, in what Holder says is a "push for a Lombardi Trophy".
Washington is hovering around the middle of the pack with just over $20 million in cap space this offseason, but it's worth noting that a contract extension could still be in the works for disgruntled receiver Terry McLaurin, who has already held out of the Commanders' offseason programming.
At the right price, Smith would be a valuable addition that strengthens what might be the worst defensive line in the division.
