The Washington Commanders worked hard to solidify their edge-rushing options this offseason. General manager Adam Peters made it clear this would be his top priority, and he was a man of his word. Things look a lot stronger now, with the enhanced options set to provide the platform for defensive improvements under new coordinator Daronte Jones.
Odafe Oweh was the big-money splash. The Commanders signed K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu to one-year deals. Peters also spent a fifth-round pick on Joshua Josephs, who brings immediate rotational upside and could emerge as a long-term starter over time.
This was desperately needed. It also led a bitter rival analyst to speculate that a potential reunion with Dorance Armstrong Jr. might be possible in the not-too-distant future.
Cowboys analyst is dreaming of a Dorance Armstrong Jr. reunion Commanders won't consider
Randy Gurzi of Sports Illustrated named Armstrong among the potential post-June 1 cut candidates the Dallas Cowboys should be keeping tabs on. The analyst highlighted the savings involved and his previous connection to the franchise as reasons why this should be considered if the Commanders dispose of the Kansas product.
"Dorance Armstrong developed into a trusted rotational pass rusher during his four seasons in Dallas. His final season with the Cowboys was in 2023, when he had 7.5 sacks. Armstrong then followed Dan Quinn to Washington, signing a three-year deal worth $33 million.
"In two years, he has 10.5 sacks for the Commanders and has been a solid run defender. That said, he's coming off a knee injury and Washington could free up more than $9 million in cap space. They're not desperate for space by any means, but his salary could make him expendable."
That might sound nice from Dallas' perspective. But in reality, it's not going to happen.
Armstrong was in the midst of a breakout campaign last season before a serious knee injury brought an abrupt halt to his momentum. All signs point to a return well before the 2026 campaign begins in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and the player is eager to stay relevant amid all the changes. And, in all honesty, the Commanders are in no position to remove anyone this talented from the equation.
The Commanders need to bounce back next season. They need all hands on deck, and Armstrong promises to play an important role if there are no further setbacks. Cutting him to save cash makes no sense, especially since Washington has $43.7 million in available salary-cap space as is.
What comes after that is less certain.
It's a contract year for Armstrong, so he'll need to perform well and stay healthy to bolster his hopes of another financial commitment. This should also provide the urgency needed to achieve the desired impact, which will only help Washington's cause.
The Cowboys would probably make a strong push for Armstrong if Washington released him. But they can keep dreaming on that one.
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