Injuries have riddled the Washington Commanders thus far in 2025, prompting Adam Peters and company to dig deep into the roster for answers at several key positions.
One of those positions has been defensive end. Deatrich Wise Jr. suffered a torn quadriceps in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. The team signed a familiar face in Preston Smith in response, but he has yet to see the field. Now, 2024 seventh-round pick Javontae Jean-Baptiste has also been placed on injured reserve.
Another new addition could potentially be on the way soon. The Commanders will reportedly be hosting former San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Drake Jackson, who missed all of the 2024 season with a torn patellar tendon.
Commanders need edge-rushing help, and Drake Jackson could fit the bill
Jackson, a 2022 second-round pick, had some positive moments in San Francisco despite ultimately falling short of his draft stock. He recorded six sacks in 23 games and seemed to be on an upward trajectory before his second campaign was cut short by his devastating injury. This threatened to end his NFL career, but the player demonstrated tremendous resolve to regain consideration.
He's finally been medically cleared to return following a nearly two-year absence, and the Commanders are one of the teams that appear to be interested. Peters, of course, was in the Niners' front office between 2017 and 2023 and was part of the group that drafted Jackson out of USC.
It's unclear what Jackson would be capable of after missing so much time, but it can't hurt to give him a shot. Washington's depth chart behind Dorance Armstrong and Jacob Martin — who has started in place of Wise over the last two games — currently consists of only Smith and Jalyn Holmes, so the opportunity would be there for him to carve out a consistent role.
The New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens also have meetings scheduled with Jackson. However, his previous connection to Peters might be enough for the Commanders to get the upper hand.
Washington's defensive line has been one of the pleasant surprises, despite being labeled a glaring weakness all offseason. Armstrong, Daron Payne, and Javon Kinlaw are all off to solid starts, but the Commanders could certainly use some help behind them.
At the very least, Jackson signing in Washington — or anywhere, for that matter — would provide a feel-good story of perseverance after his injury. It's also a chance for him to move forward with his career when all hope seemed lost.
Jackson might not necessarily be a game-changing pickup, but the Commanders should welcome his services.