Arguably the biggest priority for Adam Peters this offseason will be improving the defense. Part of that process will be deciding which defensive players will be sticking around for the Washington Commanders in 2025.
Even though the defense was not exactly great in 2024, there are still several free agents the front office should look to bring back for the foreseeable future. The opposite could be said for others.
Bobby Wagner's new one-year extension was a no-brainer despite his advancing years. But which Commanders players could be next in line for another contract with the imminent legal tampering window?
Commanders defenders who could be extended next after Bobby Wagner deal
Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S
The Commanders brought in Jeremy Chinn on a one-year deal to see if he could make an impact on Dan Quinn's defense, and he did exactly that. He compiled 117 tackles, seven pressures, two sacks, and two interceptions on the season.
Chinn came to Washington from the Carolina Panthers along with Frankie Luvu. Both of them had a big-time impact defensively.
The Southern Illinois product proved he could be a defensive standout on a contending team after being cast aside by the Panthers. That will prove to be a major bargaining chip for Chinn when contract negotiations begin.
Chinn is not one of the players that need to be improved upon. Peters should lock him down on a long term contract.
Dante Fowler Jr. - Commanders OLB
Dante Fowler Jr. followed Quinn to the Commanders after spending two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He was brought in to be the best edge rusher on a team, as the coaching staff and front office decided bringing a plethora of role players would be the best way to go.
Peters did not want to break the bank and Quinn is one of the best at getting the most out of his edge rushers. The NFL Coach of the Year nominee did exactly that with Fowler.
The edge rusher position needs major improvements this offseason, but that does not mean that Fowler can't stick around as a rotational piece. As long as he isn't demanding a big contract, he should be brought back.
Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB
Noah Igbinoghene played primarily as the starting nickel back for the Commanders' defense after having a forgettable stint with the Miami Dolphins to begin his career. He revived his career under Quinn.
The former first-round pick out of Auburn played excellent in man coverage and only allowed 419 yards in 17 games. His play dropped off a little bit in the playoffs, but his season should not get discredited due to that.
Cornerback coverage stats when in man coverage
— Stat Acccount (@AcccountStat) December 13, 2024
x = Yards Allowed per Snap
y = Passer Rating Allowed
Upper Right = Good | Bottom Left = Bad pic.twitter.com/Yhf49xtPt5
Through the first 14 games of the season, Igbinoghene was playing among the likes of Quinyon Mitchell when it came to yards per snap and passer rating allowed in man coverage.
Cornerback could be a position the Commanders target high in the draft, which could end up replacing Igbinoghene. However, even if he is not a primary starter in 2025 he would still be a great rotational depth option for the defense.
Sheldon Day - Commanders DL
Sheldon Day has been a journeyman in the NFL up to this point in his career. Throughout the season, he served as a rotational player on the defensive line.
With how many struggles the defensive line had, Day had one of the better performances in the defensive interior. He was not anything special, but he could come in and plug gaps while getting pressure on pass-rush snaps here and there.
With Jonathan Allen on his way out, the starting defensive tackles in 2025 will be Johnny Newton and Daron Payne. That leaves a lack of depth, even if the Commanders draft some help in the defensive interior. Bringing back Day as a backup piece would be a good move.