Lots of cap space, a new head coach and a new general manager. Might this lead Dan Quinn to try to bring some Dallas Cowboys to the Commanders?
According to Spotrac.com, the Cowboys will have 14 free agents this offseason. It is not out of the realm of possibility to think there might be a couple of defensive players who, because they enjoyed playing for Quinn in Dallas, might like a change of scenery to again play under Quinn and, of course, obtain a pay increase.
Of those 14 Cowboy free agents, eight were on Quinn’s defense: CB Stephon Gilmore, DE Dorance Armstrong, SS Jayron Kearse, CB Jourdan Lewis, DE Dante Fowler, Jr, CB Noah Igbinoghene, DT Johnathan Hankins, DT Neville Gallimore.
The first name in the list that jumps out at me as a possibility is Fowler. His average annual value was only around $3M, he is age 29, and still displays an explosion on the edge to rush the passer. Fowler and Quinn were also together briefly at the University of Florida. In a rotational role (no starts) in 2023, Fowler contributed 4.0 sacks, 5 TFL and 7 QB hits.
Gilmore, who makes $10M and is now 33, may not be what GM Adam Peters has in mind when it comes to rebuilding the Commanders’ roster.
The other name that sparks interest to me is Armstrong. He is another DE who is younger (age 26), and he would also cost more money. His AAV was $6M, and at 6-4, 255, he is lean and can run down a quarterback. In 2023, Armstrong only made one start, yet he did contribute 7.5 sacks, 7 TFL, and 12 QB hits.
Remember Quinn’s introductory press conference last week? He pointed out that the Commanders are strong at defensive tackle. He certainly realizes they are going to need to probably sign an edge rusher and draft one as well.
The Commanders moved on from defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young during the 2023 regular season, trading them to the Bears and 49ers respectively.