Commanders could sign Javon Hargrave
Jonathan Allen's departure seemed inevitable long before the veteran defensive lineman was permitted to seek a trade. His leadership in the locker room remained a significant asset. Unfortunately, his on-field performances no longer justified the salary coming in the final year of his deal.
The Washington Commanders did right by Allen, allowing him to gauge offers before the legal tampering window as a released player. For Adam Peters, attention turns to finding a replacement capable of making a difference alongside Daron Payne and Johnny Newton on the interior.
Peters has a wealth of options. Free agency is one possibility. The Commanders could take advantage of a deep draft class for defensive linemen for a cheaper, longer-term piece. The general manager might also turn to someone he knows well for a quicker fix.
Javon Hargrave is looking for alternative employment following his release. Peters was part of the San Francisco 49ers' brain trust which acquired the lineman in free agency from the Philadelphia Eagles. Injuries prevented him from making a lasting contribution, but he's healthy and ready to seize another opportunity.
Much will depend on the money involved. Hargrave's made a ton of that during his career, so the Commanders should check in on his health to see if there is some merit to bringing him on board.
Commanders could sign Harold Landry III
Adding to the edge-rushing room is something the Commanders will do this offseason. Speculation remains about a potential trade for Myles Garrett or Trey Hendrickson. Time will tell on that front, but adding more than one prolific pass-rusher wouldn't be the worst idea in the world from Adam Peters' perspective.
Some notable names have been released before free agency to further bolster the possibilities at Peters' disposal. Harold Landry III is among them after his time with the Tennessee Titans was brought to an abrupt halt.
Landry's been a dynamic pass-rusher over the last two seasons, racking up 19.5 sacks to bring his career total to 50.5. He reached the Pro Bowl in 2021 with a 12-sack campaign. Unfortunately for the Boston College product, a torn ACL ruled him out for the entire 2022 season.
Another area where Landry stands out is against the run. He sets a clean edge and has the violent hands needed to shed blocks in pursuit when runners head in his direction. This is an area that the Commanders sorely lacked in 2024, which only raises the level of intrigue.
The former second-round pick is not your typical aging veteran cast aside with nothing left to give. Landry will be 29 years old next season with a lot of good football left. One could argue he'd be an upgrade on anything Washington has right now, although they could be thinking bigger.
Add us as a preferred source on Google