Commanders could sign Kyle Dugger
The Washington Commanders need versatile, hard-hitting safeties if new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' scheme is going to work. Given last season's efforts, it would be immensely disappointing if no changes came in the safety room.
Nobody, aside from perhaps Jeremy Reaves, met expectations in 2025. Jones praised almost every safety under contract during his introductory press conference, but actions during the recruitment phase of the offseason will be far more telling.
The Commanders need more. Anything less is organizational malpractice. Caleb Downs is being touted as the No. 7 pick by some experts, but even that might not be enough.
Someone like Kyle Dugger fits the mold of what Jones is probably looking for. He's a tone-setter on the backend who performed well for the Pittsburgh Steelers after his trade to the franchise before the 2025 deadline. The AFC North club has one of the league's most expensive defenses, so keeping the player around will be difficult.
Commanders could sign Quay Walker
There are problems to figure out for Adam Peters at the linebacker position. Daronte Jones expressed confidence in Frankie Luvu, and Jordan Magee could end up being a useful rotational piece within his defense. However, Bobby Wagner's future is incredibly shaky.
Wagner is a productive performer between the tackles, but age is finally catching up with the future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer. The Commanders would be taking a massive risk by giving him another one-year deal, so finding a younger option who can provide more energy should be seriously considered by those in power.
Quay Walker could be precisely that. There are some slight concerns about his coverage ability, but he's a sideline-to-sideline presence who gets around the football as an inspirational figure others willingly follow.
The Green Bay Packers may want to keep him around, but they already have an enormous amount of financial assets tied to their defense.
Commanders could sign Joseph Ossai
The Washington Commanders need a complete rethink of the pass-rushing options. Aside from Dorance Armstrong Jr., who was in the middle of a breakout campaign before suffering a significant injury, one could make a strong case for moving on from everyone else without much fanfare.
This needs Adam Peters' undivided attention this offseason. Finding an explosive young weapon via the draft will be strongly considered at some stage. The Commanders would also be wise to spend money on dynamic veterans coming off their rookie contracts.
Joseph Ossai is an interesting candidate. He's violent, athletic, and relentless. Things didn't go quite according to plan with the Cincinnati Bengals last season, but that unit was an abomination almost from the outset.
Ossai will be relishing the chance to get away from the Bengals. If the money works, the Commanders would get a major upgrade by acquiring him.