Commanders could sign Osa Odighizuwa
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders could turn to more former Dan Quinn associates if the right opportunities present themselves this offseason. And there is one name coming up more than most.
The Commanders have some issues to solve on their defensive front. This bears more significance on the interior despite some substantial investments over recent years.
Daron Payne and 2024 second-round pick Johnny Newton will be back. Jonathan Allen's future is less certain with one more year and no guaranteed money remaining on his deal. Trading or releasing the two-time Pro Bowler saves over $16 million on the salary cap, but the Commanders would be losing an inspirational leader within the locker room.
Quinn is reportedly high on Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa. The UCLA product is coming off an outstanding year and developed encouragingly under the coach's guidance during his early seasons. There are some slight worries against the run, but he's one of the league's most productive pass-rushers from the interior.
Odighizuwa is projected to get around $20 million per season on his next deal. If Allen and Payne stay with the team, that's a huge figure to allocate to one position group. It's a tricky conundrum Peters must solve effectively.
Commanders could sign Azeez Ojulari
The Commanders need to find more productive pass-rushers this offseason. They cannot settle with what got them this far. That's not the way Washington is going to become a perennial powerhouse.
Going down the draft route is plausible. This is a deep draft class for defensive linemen and edge rushers. It provides Adam Peters with cheaper alternatives with a longer-term upside attached. At the same time, the general manager can also find players like that in free agency if he looks hard enough.
Azeez Ojulari ticks those boxes. The edge threat is embarking on free agency with his future with the New York Giants unclear. They've already got Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, so the former Georgia standout won't get a better chance to branch out.
Ojulari was the subject of trade speculation before the deadline. Nothing came to fruition, but he's got enough outstanding athletic attributes to generate interest on the free-agent market.
Much will depend on the money involved, but this represents a decent option for the Commanders. If Dante Fowler Jr. departs for a better offer in free agency, this looks like a ready-made replacement with a better outlook for the future.
With a projected market value of $7.6 million per season, it's manageable from the Commanders' standpoint.