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6 expiring contracts the Commanders could shed before 2026 trade deadline

Some difficult decisions might be coming.
ByDean Jones
Washington Commanders outside linebacker K'lavon Chaisson
Washington Commanders outside linebacker K'lavon Chaisson | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
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Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders OLB

As mentioned earlier, the Washington Commanders face some difficult decisions with their out-of-contract edge rushers. K'Lavon Chaisson is on a one-year deal and might not get an extension. Dorance Armstrong Jr. is also back from injury but could be expendable at the right price.

Armstrong's breakout campaign was cruelly cut short by a torn ACL last season. This was a body blow Washington's defense never really recovered from, and the veteran faced a long road back to full health.

The Kansas State product returned this summer and has played 48 percent of defensive snaps in five games. Armstrong has yet to record a sack, though he has seven pressures as he works his way back to peak fitness.

Armstrong does seem to have lost some explosiveness, which is understandable. He should get better with more reps under his belt, but general manager Adam Peters could also examine the business side of the player's situation if interest arrives before the trade deadline.

Washington may be reluctant to give Armstrong another long-term deal next year. He's coming off an injury, and his market projection of almost $20 million per season is way too much. Therefore, if the Commanders decide to sell, this might be a good place to start.

Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu walks off the field after the game against the New York Giants.
Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB

The Commanders have their superstar linebacker of the future in Sonny Styles. Everyone in the building expected big things from the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he's been an absolute revelation in the early stages of his professional journey.

Styles just looks like a stud. He's fast, athletic, physical, and intelligent. The Commanders have a franchise cornerstone to build around on defense for the next decade, but what happens alongside him remains uncertain.

Leo Chenal is out for the season with a fractured neck, which isn't ideal. Jordan Magee has also missed most of the campaign, and Kain Medrano hasn't done enough to warrant a significant role. Styles is an outstanding player, but he cannot do it alone.

Fortunately, Frankie Luvu is alongside him.

Luvu is an inspirational presence. He's gone back to his off-ball role this season and is making a difference, despite missing a couple of games through injury. He is also helping Styles enormously, so it would have to be a substantial offer for the Commanders to even remotely consider removing him from the equation.

The Washington State product is playing too well and assisting Styles too much to be disposed of. And Luvu might be closer to an extension than being traded right now.

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