The Washington Commanders could use another edge rusher to fortify their claims for NFC supremacy in 2025. Adam Peters has been active in the trade market this offseason, but he might have room for one more bold splash before attention turns to organized team activities.
Speculation linked the Commanders with a bombshell splash for Myles Garrett after the Cleveland Browns defensive end handed in a trade request, but the asking price was too steep. Rumors remain about Trey Hendrickson being a potential option, but it seems likely he'll get extended by the Cincinnati Bengals.
There's the 2025 NFL Draft to get through, which is loaded with promising prospects along the defensive front seven. Considering the need for Washington to find immediate difference-makers as they transition into a win-now mindset, going down the trade route couldn't be completely dismissed despite the blockbuster additions of wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Commanders linked with high-risk trade for edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo
Kristopher Knox from The Bleacher Report had the perfect high-risk, high-reward possibility for the Commanders. He thought Peters would be wise to place a call to the Browns for Ogbo Okoronkwo — a potentially cost-effective solution who could make better use of his physical attributes under high-caliber coaches such as Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.
Making a play for [Trey] Hendrickson would also be logical for the Commanders. They should also take a long look at Ogbo Okoronkwo of the Cleveland Browns this offseason. The Browns are entering a rebuilding phase and could use all of the cheap rookie contracts that they can get. While Okoronkwo hasn't had overly impressive numbers during his time with the Browns, he's been fairly productive as a part-time player. Over the past two seasons, he's recorded 7.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits and 17 tackles for loss.Kristopher Knox
While this would be somewhat underwhelming after the bigger trades this offseason, Okoronkwo could be a decent addition. He's got the size and physical profile Quinn looks for in his edge rushers from a versatility standpoint. The former fifth-round pick's run defense wasn't up to the required standard last season, but he's got promise as a situational pass-rusher with upside in Washington's defensive system.
Okoronkwo has one more year remaining on his deal and counts $5.28 million against the cap in 2025. The Browns have no financial incentive to remove the player, but a late-round pick could be enough to get this transaction over the line.
The Commanders don't have many spare draft assets to go around. They have five draft picks currently — two of which are in the sixth and seventh rounds. Given the chances of finding an instant contributor that far down the pecking order are slim, throwing a selection to the Browns for Okoronkwo wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Washington will probably go younger via the draft. This is cheaper with a longer-term outlook. But if there's one thing Commanders fans should have taken from an eventful offseason so far, it's to expect the unexpected.
Watch this space…
