3 post-June 1 cut/trade candidates who could entice Commanders

2. Derek Wolfe

The Commanders’ need for interior defensive line help is well-documented following the offseason exits of Tim Settle and Matt Ioannidis. While Phidarian Mathis should step into a significant role as a rookie, the rotation behind Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and the second-round pick is lackluster at best.

While Smith-Williams and Obada are capable of checking inside on passing downs, they’re not outright DTs, leaving Daniel Wise and Tyler Clark, the latter of who hasn’t played a regular-season snap yet, as the lone like-for-like backups.

Enter Wolfe, who’s days in Baltimore are seemingly numbered after the team reshuffled its defensive tackle rotation this offseason. On top of drafting UConn’s Travis Jones in the third round, the Ravens signed Michael Pierce and Brett Urban.

A back injury sidelined Wolfe for the entirety of 2021, but he’s still highly productive for a player entering is age-32 season. According to PFF, Wolfe’s 87.7 run-defense grade from 2016-20 ranked 12th among interior lineman.

Defensive line is still a strength for the Commanders, but their depth took a huge hit this offseason so one injury to a starter could spell trouble. Wolfe has the ability to play inside or outside and his experience and leadership instincts as a nine-year veteran would be a welcome addition to Washington’s defense.