At this point one year ago, the Washington Commanders had just paid defensive tackle Daron Payne. That meant Washington had locked up defensive tackles Payne and Jonathan Allen into long-term deals.
Presumably, next up were defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
Things didn’t go as predicted, and Washington ended up trading both of its star defensive ends at the NFL trade deadline in October. The Commanders’ previous staff always wanted to lock up Sweat, but when the Chicago Bears offered what ended up being the No. 40 overall pick, it was too good of an offer to turn down.
Washington shipped Young to the 49ers for a pick at the end of the third round.
Now, the Commanders need help at edge rusher.
The good news for Washington is that it has plenty of cap room. According to Over the Cap, the Commanders have around $80 million in effective salary cap space.
While general manager Adam Peters has made it clear Washington will build through the draft, the Commanders have many needs and money to spend. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler, the Commanders are “expected to be active in the edge rusher market.”
Graziano specifically mentions the Seahawks and Colts, along with Washington, as the three teams to watch. However, every NFL team is always looking for a pass rush. Danielle Hunter of the Minnesota Vikings is the top edge rusher, but don’t expect Washington to be in the mix for him.
Players to watch for the Commanders are Jonathan Greenard (Texans), Dorance Armstrong (Cowboys), Bryce Huff (Jets) and Dante Fowler Jr. (Cowboys). It wouldn’t be a shock if head coach Dan Quinn brings both of his former proteges from Dallas with him to Washington.
Peters and Quinn will be looking for the right fit for the Commanders, not necessarily the top of the market. That doesn’t just go for edge rushers, but other positions, too.