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With Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn learning more about new players, he’s seeing speed and the potential for improved line play. And here is one perfect Commanders move to fill out the roster before the 2025 training camp.
It’s less than a month before the Commanders’ training camp, as rookies will report on July 18, followed by veterans on July 22.
The Commanders have improved their overall roster quite a bit from the 2024 version. But there are two places the team could use reinforcements. Wide receiver is a moderate need, but edge rusher is the top priority.
Bluntly put, the Commanders don’t have enough weapons at the edge rusher position. The team whiffed on the position in the draft, which means it currently looks at the 2025 season with Dorance Armstrong, Deatrich Wise Jr., Jacob Martin, and Clelin Ferrell providing the main attack.
Admittedly, Smith is 32 years old and may not have much left in the tank. This would be a one-year move, but it’s the right thing for the Commanders to pursue.
Smith said he wants to get back to Detroit, but the main reason is winning a Super Bowl, according to usatoday.com. Also, Washington provides that possibility.
“We both know where I want to be,” Smith said. “Hopefully, I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great. When I’m there, I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things. Hopefully, I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit.”
But he added the desire for a ring.
“I’m going into Year 11. As a veteran, [a championship] is the only thing that I’m missing,” Smith said. “I did the sacks, All-Pro, Pro Bowl, so it’s really just me getting a ring now and winning a championship.”
One NFL analyst says they do not, according to foxsports.com.
They needed help off the edge even before they lost Dante Fowler and his 10 ½ sacks in free agency,” Ralph Vacchiano wrote. “And it’s been their No. 1 need all offseason long. Yet GM Adam Peters doesn’t seem to be very concerned. His only edge signing was Deatrich Wise, who turns 31 in July and had eight middling seasons in New England.
“They seemed like they were in a perfect position in the draft to grab an edge rusher in the first round, but they went offensive line instead. In fact, they didn’t take any edge rushers at all. So it’s really unclear where their pass rush is going to come from this year.”
The Commanders can’t stick their head in the sand on this issue. It’s a thing that could keep them out of the Super Bowl.
Jadeveon Clowney is another 32-year-old option, according to cbssports.com.
“There is still gas in the tank for NFL free agent Jadeveon Clowney,” Brad Crawford...
