The Washington Commanders have several pressing priorities for general manager Adam Peters to figure out during the offseason. Things may not have gone well for the team in 2025, but the front-office leader is well-positioned to make the improvements needed in the coming weeks to turn things around quickly.
There were a few bright spots from the campaign. They were hard to find, but defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr.'s contribution before getting hurt was a shining light amid the doom and gloom.
Armstrong was in the midst of a breakout season before suffering a significant knee injury in Week 7. This was a devastating blow to the player, and the edge-rushing room lacked the depth to cope.
Commanders face a difficult contract decision with Dorance Armstrong Jr., but time is on their side
Peters acknowledged that the squad needs more on the defensive edge. The Commanders must find several ways to improve their starting lineup and rotation. There is also the small matter of new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones potentially switching the scheme to a 3-4 base, so versatility and dynamism are required in no uncertain terms.
Getting Armstrong back to health won't hurt, either. But with one year remaining on his deal, the Commanders have a big decision to make with the player at some stage during the offseason.
Do they work out an extension in advance, or do they let things play out before deciding on additional measures?
Waiting could mean the Commanders end up paying more if Armstrong continues his ascent. But if they get something worked out and he cannot reach the heights anticipated, that's a big problem.
According to Spotrac, the former Kansas State star could get $19.32 million per season on a three-year, $57.97 million deal. That is on the pricey side, especially considering Armstrong will be 30 years old when his new deal begins in this scenario. And coming off a long-term injury, Peters will probably wait.
Armstrong should have a significant role to play in 2026, regardless of what new additions join the ranks. He should only get better with an improved supporting cast around him on the defensive front seven. Extending him ahead of time would also give the Commanders an extra $6.03 million on this year's salary cap, which is an added bonus.
It wouldn't be surprising to see Washington hold off on offering Armstrong a new deal, either. The Commanders need to see if his explosiveness remains intact after his knee issue. If everything checks out and the production takes another leap over the early stages of the campaign, getting an extension in-season couldn't be completely dismissed.
Had Armstrong been healthy throughout the season, it's a different story. But now, it's a wait-and-see scenario.