Adam Peters has aggressively attacked the edge-rushing position over the first wave of free agency. Most Washington Commanders fans were expecting a big splash. Not many expected the general manager to add three capable performers to the mix.
Odafe Oweh was the first, signing a four-year, $100 million deal with $68 million guaranteed. K'Lavon Chaisson cashed in on his 2025 breakout with a one-year, $12 million agreement, and Charles Omenihu could be a bargain at $4 million.
Things look a lot more promising on the defensive edge now. But one forgotten pass-rusher sent a powerful reminder that he is still around and ready to make his presence felt.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. sends powerful messages after Commanders boost the defensive edge
Dorance Armstrong Jr. was in the middle of a breakout campaign before a serious knee injury halted his momentum. This was a body blow the Commanders never recovered from, which prompted Peters to take drastic measures this offseason. The new signings are generating hype, but the former Kansas standout was eager to let fans know about his encouraging rehabilitation progress.
Armstrong's social media post revealed that he is now 4.5 months into his recovery and that everything is going according to plan. He clearly feels great and is ready to remind the league and fans why he was considered among the league's ascending pass-rushers before disaster struck seven games into his 2025.
The timing of this post is no coincidence. Armstrong knows extra competition has been added, and he's not planning to go away quietly. This is also a contract year for the 2018 fourth-round pick, which only raises the urgency to make a swift recovery.
Washington's staff will not be taking any unnecessary risks with Armstrong. They know what he can do, so it'll be a gradual process to ensure he is ready to hit the ground running in Week 1. If there are no more complications, he could start opposite Oweh. However, Chaisson has not come to sit on the sidelines after betting on himself with a one-year deal.
It'll be a fascinating dynamic to watch. Armstrong proved he can be a dependable asset last season before going down at the worst possible time. If he can get back to 100 percent with the same explosive tendencies next season, there is nothing to suggest that more couldn't be on the way with an improved supporting cast around him in the trenches.
Armstrong might be an afterthought at this stage of the offseason, but he is not planning to stay that way for much longer.