Adam Peters' philosophy during free agency was clear. The Washington Commanders weren't going to make lavish splashes for the sake of it — not with this crop of veterans. Signing proven performers to one-year deals represented the correct approach in keeping with the team's new win-now mindset.
There was one major financial outlay to secure defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw. Peters opted for landmark acquisitions in the trade market with wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil coming on board. This represented another statement of intent from the Commanders, but the hard work was just getting started.
Peters only has five selections during the 2025 NFL Draft. Maximizing every asset is crucial, but there is also enough spare cash to dip into the free agency pool again if the right opportunities present themselves.
The Commanders are a contending team and an attractive destination once again. Those remaining on the market would probably jump at the chance of joining Dan Quinn in Washington, so it's not a bad spot for Peters to be in.
Finding the player capable of slotting into the culture shift is a trickier proposition. Even so, fans are confident they have the right front-office structure in place to keep things trending positively.
Commanders tabbed as ideal landing spot for Za'Darius Smith in 2025
Washington needs more pass-rushing prowess before Week 1. Most analysts project Peters to rectify this issue at some stage during the draft, perhaps with one of his first two picks. However, Daniel Valente and Brenden Deeg from The Score touted a productive free agent who fits the mold of acquisitions made by the Commanders this offseason.
The analysts thought Za'Darius Smith would be a nice short-term solution to this problem, especially after Dante Fowler Jr. departed in free agency for the Dallas Cowboys. He's still productive at 32 years old, so there are far worse avenues the Commanders could go down, that's for sure.
"The Commanders lost Dante Fowler to the Cowboys in free agency after he led the team in sacks last season. [Za'Darius] Smith can provide a veteran presence up front, and he's still got a lot left in the tank, even at 32 years old. He totaled 9.5 sacks split between the Browns and Lions last year."Daniel Valente and Brenden Deeg
Smith had to pivot quickly after being traded to the Detroit Lions before the 2024 deadline. He flashed dominance as a pass-rusher again, albeit with less explosiveness than during his prime. Washington could be waiting until after the draft to see where things stand, but there's a lot of merit in signing him beforehand to give Peters some extra freedom.
The Commanders have very few (if any) edge rushers who strike fear into the opposition. Frankie Luvu is the most dynamic, and he's a linebacker deployed in blitz packages when the situation dictates. Dorance Armstrong Jr. is decent, and Deatrich Wise Jr. should help, but this unit doesn't have enough to move the needle as things stand.
While Smith's influence is gradually decreasing as the years pass, one could argue he's an upgrade on anything Carolina has right now. Whether this is enough for the former fourth-round pick out of Kentucky with 69 career sacks to end up in Washington is another matter.
Watch this space…
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