2 free agents the Commanders should keep on ice heading into Week 15

If the Washington Commanders want a good test case for the value of adding free agents this late in the season, just consider the Detroit Lions. Their policy of scooping up the best veterans suddenly looking for new teams has bolstered a banged-up defense mid-campaign.

Edge-rusher Za'Darius Smith, linebacker Kwon Alexander, safety Jamal Adams, and defensive tackle Pat O'Connor are all making important contributions. This quartet also serves as an example of what the Commanders can hope for if they beef up their defensive front ahead of a final push toward the playoffs.

Two names on the market stand out above others as worthy acquisitions. One is a 37-year-old man mountain who's still powerful enough to play over the ball and occupy double teams.

The other is a versatile pass rusher who would add some juice off the edges. That's where the Commanders are struggling to generate consistent pressure, largely because free agents signed in the offseason haven't quite made the grade.

Here are the two free agents the Commanders should be considering before during, and after Week 15's game on the road against the New Orleans Saints.

Al Woods can solidify shaky Commanders' run defense

Few things do more to fix a shaky run defense than a big man in the middle. Al Woods more than merits that label as a 6-foot-4, 300-plus pounder who has ample experience playing nose tackle.

Woods has operated as a zero technique during stints with various teams. They include the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, and Seattle Seahawks.

The aging trench warrior spent last season as a member of the New York Jets. He still showed off an ability to stand up blockers, move the pile, and engulf running lanes.

Finding ways to clog gaps and redirect running backs should be the priority for Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. They are overseeing a unit guilty of allowing a gaudy 4.8 rushing yards per carry.

A run defense this generous isn't sustainable for a team hoping to go to the playoffs and be more than one and done once they reach the postseason. Putting a natural two-gapping run stuffer like Woods into the heart of the defensive line should mean cleaner pursuit lanes for linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu.

It could also mean additional one-on-one matchups for more active defensive tackles Daron Payne, Sheldon Day, and rookie Johnny Newton. This trio is primarily tasked with offsetting the absence of injured Jonathan Allen by disrupting the pass pocket, but veteran nose tackle Carl Davis needs help if the Commanders are going to better stand up to the run.

Rasheem Green can ease Commanders' struggles on the edge

If Woods can be an asset along the interior, Rasheem Green would instantly boost Washington's options at the edges of the front seven. His versatility would be particularly helpful.

Green can operate at both the left and right defensive end spots. He's also able to slide inside and disrupt pass-protection schemes from the inside. The latter trait would make him a welcome addition to pass-rush sub-packages involving Luvu lined up inside with Dante Fowler Jr. rushing off the edge.

Fowler has been a major success as an outside pass-rusher this season, but fellow 2024 free-agency recruits Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Clelin Ferrell have struggled. They have combined for a mere 5.5 sacks amid a slew of erratic performances.

Ferrell and Armstrong's failure to generate consistent heat has only underscored the Commanders' lack of credible alternatives at the defensive end spot. It's a problem compounded by seventh-round pick Javontae Jean-Baptiste enduring a stint on injured reserve and not logging a sack since Week 3.

Green has 19 career sacks to his credit. He could add the oomph Washington's pass rush will need when the stakes are raised during the final four games of the regular season.

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