General manager Adam Peters made Washington Commanders fans wait a little longer when the legal tampering window opened before making his big splashes. But when they arrived, they shook the league to its foundations.
Cornerback Amik Robertson came in for modest money. Agreeing to terms with edge rusher Odafe Oweh came with much greater fanfare attached. And if that wasn't enough, the Commanders also secured a popular reunion with ascending defensive lineman Tim Settle.
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the Commanders have agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal with Settle, which could be worth up to $25.5 million with incentives. Now, the interior force returns to the club that drafted him in 2018, and it officially puts one of his new teammates on notice.
Commanders throw down the gauntlet to Johnny Newton after Tim Settle deal
The Commanders were expecting big things from Johnny Newton when they took him at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Most experts thought he was a first-round lock before injuries dented his stock. Washington thought it was getting a steal, but two years into his professional career, the jury is still well and truly out.
Newton has found it difficult to carve out a prominent role for himself. Aside from a three-sack outing against the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day, his production has been relatively underwhelming. The Commanders are not ready to give up on him just yet, but the Illinois product's chance of gaining additional reps hasn't exactly increased after Settle's arrival.
Assuming Settle assumes the nose tackle role in Daronte Jones' projected 3-4 base front, Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw will line up as the ends. These are large, space-eating linemen who can free up space for the edge rushers to do damage, which now includes Oweh after he agreed to a four-year, $100 million deal with $68 million guaranteed.
Where that leaves Newton is anyone's guess.
He's young enough at 23 to keep improving, but his snap count diminishing to 38 percent last season was a significant step back. The acquisition of Settle means starting this year is out of the question, barring injury. Perhaps the Commanders see Newton as a pass-rush specialist and nothing more. While that's useful, it's not why he got drafted early on Day 2.
The gauntlet has been laid down to Newton. He's got the determination to respond positively, but it would be surprising if another backup spot wasn't in his future.
However, with Payne and Kinlaw both having shaky futures beyond 2026, all hope is not lost yet.