Commanders could sign Sam Williams
The Washington Commanders' lack of legitimate edge-rushing depth during the 2025 season played a leading role in their demise. One can point to the injuries holding them back, but fans were concerned about this critical area of the field before the campaign began. And they were wise to be worried.
Adam Peters thought aging veterans looking for one final run at Super Bowl glory would suffice, but it didn't work. Deatrich Wise Jr. got hurt early. Dorance Armstrong Jr. also went down in the midst of a breakout season. Von Miller finished as Washington's sack leader, which is simply not sustainable.
This is a position group the Commanders must attack this offseason aggressively. Better starting options and enhanced depth are essential. Sam Williams would probably fall into the latter, but one could make a strong case for him being an upgrade, given his already established connection to Quinn.
Williams was a second-round pick when Quinn was the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator. Things looked promising after 8.5 sacks over his first two seasons. But missing the entire 2024 campaign due to injury put a significant dent in his development.
The Ole Miss product got back this season, gaining one sack and 24 pressures, and 20 run stops. Not exactly world-beating numbers, but the fact that Williams stayed healthy makes him a possibility.
Commanders could sign Donovan WIlson
The Commanders need a rethink in their safety room. Whatever general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have done so far just hasn't worked. And with the stakes getting higher under the glaring microscope of underachievement, no stone should be left unturned.
Too much faith was placed in Quan Martin. The Commanders let Kamren Curl walk in 2024 free agency so he could move onto the defensive back end. They did the same with Jeremy Chinn to ensure the former Illinois standout became the top dog in Washington's safety unit. Both maneuvers failed spectacularly, and the defensive back's regression makes his status far from secure.
Nobody would shed many tears if Will Harris were let go after one season. Jeremy Reaves, Tyler Owens, and Percy Butler look like special-teams performers and nothing more. Decisive action is needed, which could mean a discussion is had about Donovan Wilson.
Wilson was a mainstay on Dallas' defense once again in 2025, logging 71 tackles, five pass breakups, and two interceptions. There were times when he became a liability in coverage, but one also has to consider the complete lack of productivity on the Cowboys' defensive front seven.
Before that, he's been a very useful contributor. It's also worth noting that Wilson's best seasons in the NFL came under Quinn.