The Washington Commanders couldn't generate enough pass-rush during the 2025 season. One can point to the injuries holding them back. Still, general manager Adam Peters didn't do enough to fortify this critical area of the field during his second offseason at the helm.
Peters acknowledged as much during his end-of-season media availability, and it sounds like he's going to prioritize the defensive edge much more heavily this time around. That's something, at least, but it got so bad that some fans even regretted letting Dante Fowler Jr. leave in free agency.
Fowler gained 10.5 sacks during his only season in Washington. He was a decent rotational pass-rusher but a complete liability against the run. The former Florida standout wanted to be paid accordingly. Peters had other ideas, leaving the veteran with no option but to return to the Dallas Cowboys.
Commanders finally vindicated for letting Dante Fowler Jr. walk in free agency
Things didn't go well for Fowler in Dallas. He gained just three sacks. He remains a weak link on running plays. Although the Cowboys could potentially bring him back on a team-friendly deal, Jerry Trotta from The Landry Hat believes Jadeveon Clowney should be the primary extension candidate.
"The former No. 3 overall pick is a fine DE4 to unleash on third downs in obvious passing situations. Maybe Dallas decides to bring him back on the cheap, but if the front office prioritizes re-signing any pass rusher from the 2025 squad, it should be Jadeveon Clowney. Fowler will turn 32 before the start of next season, and he didn't come close to living up to his $5 million contract this year."Jerry Trotta
The Commanders got their use out of Fowler during their transitional stage. But the fact that Peters didn't make an offer to keep him around meant he may have seen this decline coming.
Father Time waits for no one in the NFL. The Commanders found that out to their cost this season, as they put together the league's oldest roster. That decision backfired spectacularly. However, Peters' choice to move on from Fowler was the correct one.
Much will depend on the market, but there is also a chance this could be Fowler's final involvement in the NFL. He's very one-dimensional — always has been. Once his pass-rushing prowess starts to wane, which is clearly the case right now, it won't take long for opportunities to diminish or evaporate entirely.
As for the Commanders? They need to get younger and more explosive to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Nothing else will do.