The Washington Commanders have a type in this free agency window. Adam Peters is going for experience with the team's Super Bowl window open. He's also made a concerted effort to keep players who contributed in 2024 and fortify the trenches in pursuit of getting over the hump.
This was evident again with the latest new signing. The Commanders are rolling the dice with a journeyman edge rusher who fits the athletic mold typically associated with Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive concepts.
Reading between the lines, this could spell doom for a notable contributor during the previous campaign who's also looking for a new deal.
Latest Commanders signing doesn't bode well for Dante Fowler Jr.'s extension hopes
Reports confirmed that the Commanders agreed to a one-year deal with Jacob Martin that could be worth up to $3 million. It's another cheap option for Peters on a short-term agreement. The former sixth-round pick has bounced around the league in recent years but flashed potential for the Chicago Bears last time around. That was enough for Peters to warrant further investigation.
Martin isn't going to set the world alight. He's a decent pass-rusher who holds his own against the run. With 21 career sacks from mostly rotational roles, he could be an upgrade to Washington's backup options with a smooth transition.
Considering how many free agents the Commanders have brought back and this latest addition, all signs point to Dante Fowler Jr. taking his chances elsewhere. That's not set in stone, but it seems like a realistic outcome.
The Commanders got some decent production from Fowler in 2024 en route to 10.5 sacks. His performance levels dipped during the playoffs and the former first-round pick became a liability against the run. This gave the coaching staff no option other than to reduce his snap percentage to 22.5 in the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Fowler confirmed he felt disrespected — whether by the media or the offer coming from Washington — on social media shortly before the legal tampering window opened. That didn't exactly raise hope an agreement would be reached. Several signings along the defensive front seven all but confirm these suspicions.
Just how much Martin can help is anyone's guess. The Commanders were devoid of legitimate depth in their edge-rushing room last season, so the opportunity is there to stake a claim. He's got experience as a stand-up pass-rusher or with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end. That sort of versatility is something Quinn normally covets, making him a player to watch closely when organized team activities begin.
As for Fowler? He's currently on vacation and letting his representatives handle the business side of things. Gaining double-digit sacks last season puts him in a strong position. This is also likely the last chance he'll have to get a lofty financial commitment from a team that needs pass-rushing assistance.
That might be Washington, but it seems increasingly unlikely after the moves made by Peters over a frantic first week of free agency.
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