It's common knowledge that the Washington Commanders need more help on defense. Considering the fact their Super Bowl window is open, finding productive veterans in free agency who can assist immediately is essential.
Adam Peters won't hesitate to bring more widespread changes to the playing personnel. He's aggressive yet methodical in his approach, striking when opportunities arise while always keeping the bigger picture in mind.
The respected general manager will know how important this recruitment period is for the Commanders. If he can hit on the majority of acquisitions, they'll be a trendy Super Bowl pick in 2025.
Finding players who can generate pressure consistently is key. The Commanders trod water with the options available in 2024, but that won't be enough to get over the hump.
Speculation regarding a trade for Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett remains rampant. Even so, Peters might decide that the compensation attached will jeopardize his chances of building a complete roster.
There are several other intriguing options to consider. It's also worth remembering that this is a deep draft class for edge rushers. That fits into Peters' ethos, so expect the front-office leader to take advantage of that at some stage.
Commanders named best landing spot for edge rusher Haason Reddick
Matt Bowen from ESPN has something else in mind. The analyst thought the Commanders should take a chance on Haason Reddick, who could be available at a good price after the former first-round pick botched his contract year with the New York Jets.
"[Haason] Reddick might be looking at a short-term deal after holding out to start the 2024 season before being traded to the Jets. But he has a history of making impact plays, with 59 sacks and 18 forced fumbles over his career. And before last season, he put together three straight campaigns with a pass rush win rate over 20%. Reddick would fill a need for the Commanders on the edge, and I like the fit as a schemed rusher in Dan Quinn's defense."Matt Bowen
Reddick was traded to the Jets before the campaign, but it didn't take long for the relationship to sour. The Temple product wanted a new long-term deal that he thought was a prerequisite to the trade happening. Those in power had other ideas, which led to a holdout that lasted until Week 8 of the 2024 season.
He came back into the fold, but the Jets' season was in freefall. Reddick missed so much football that he never got up to speed. In 57 percent of the team's defensive snaps from 10 games — two of which he started —he attained nothing more than one sack, 14 tackles, and seven pressures according to Pro Football Reference.
That's a good way to lose a ton of money. Reddick will still have a market, but as Bowen stated, it will probably be a short-term deal in pursuit of galvanizing his career.
Peters took on several players who fit this mold in year one of his leadership. Reddick would probably be intrigued by landing in Washington given the team's newfound momentum. He's a strong pass-rusher at the peak of his powers. A full offseason of work and learning the scheme could be enough to make a return to his old form.
There is one potential issue. For all Reddick's qualities rushing the passer, he's inconsistent against the run. Considering the trouble Washington had setting the edge last season and how many big plays they gave up on outside runs, that's a potential stumbling block if they went in this direction.
Spotrac projects Reddick to receive $11.65 million on a one-year deal. The Commanders could afford it, but Peters needs to figure out if this is a good fit schematically and whether the two-time Pro Bowler is capable of slotting into the locker room culture seamlessly.
The jury is still out on that, especially after a season that won't live long in the memory from Reddick's perspective.