Heated division rival linked with daring raid for Commanders edge rusher

The Washington Commanders are aiming to attain postseason football once they return from their long-awaited bye week. For general manager Adam Peters and others behind the scenes, offseason plans are already being formed.

Peters is no doubt thrilled with the rapid progress made by this squad following his complete overhaul of the football operation. The front-office leader also knows there is a lot more tinkering to do in pursuit of getting this franchise back among the Super Bowl contenders.

Washington is in a good spot to strengthen further when the 2025 recruitment period begins. They have seven draft selections and an abundance of salary-cap space. Reports also suggest that players are actively trying to secure moves to the Commanders and help this ambitious project in a big market starving for success.

There's also the small matter of decisions regarding current personnel. The Commanders signed a lot of players to short-term deals this offseason. Some are doing enough for an extended stay. Others will be moved on with little fanfare attached.

Dante Fowler Jr. is someone worth extending. The veteran edge rusher is on the wrong side of 30 years old now, but he remains highly productive. He's the most consistent edge threat Washington has right now, although that could change depending on the targets acquired during free agency and the draft.

Commanders could face a fight to hold onto Dante Fowler Jr. in 2025

Fowler's production won't be going unnoticed by those around the league either. This was a subject discussed recently by Matt Holder from The Bleacher Report, who linked the Philadelphia Eagles with a daring move for the pass-rusher to fortify their ranks and weaken a division rival for good measure.

"[Brandon] Graham is expected to retire at the end of the year, and Josh Sweat is an impending free agent. While Nolan Smith could take over as the starter moving forward, the defense could still use some pass-rush help. That's where [Dante] Fowler comes in, as he's been having a strong campaign with 8.5 sacks this fall heading into the weekend. While the 30-year-old who turns 31 in August has never been much of a run defender, he can get after the quarterback with over 50 career sacks. Plus, it'd be nice to steal a player from one of Philadelphia's biggest rivals and likely the club's biggest challenger in the division moving forward."

- Matt Holder, Bleacher Report

Fowler's been extremely loyal to Quinn and vice-versa throughout their respective NFL journeys. They've worked together on the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys, developing trust and respect. Throwing that away by joining the Eagles doesn't seem likely all things considered.

However, this is the NFL. Cash is king. Money talks. This is likely going to be Fowler's final opportunity to gain a lucrative deal before retiring. No loyalty to Quinn is going to top dollars in the bank.

The Commanders have enough spare financial resources to make Fowler a competitive offer if there's a mutual interest in continuing this relationship. His knowledge of the system and comfort with the coaching staff are other elements working in Washington's favor.

There's a lot of football left, but the Commanders need to form plans immediately. If Fowler hits the market and continues his outstanding form, he'll be a coveted option for teams seeking pass-rushing help.

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