The Washington Commanders didn't come close to meeting expectations in 2025. Several mitigating factors led to their demise, but the countless injuries this squad endured provide a legitimate excuse that cannot be ignored.
Every team deals with injuries. No team dealt with more than the Commanders. It exposed their lack of legitimate depth and saw them plummet to five wins on the year. Now, it's time to revamp the roster again, and general manager Adam Peters won't be harboring any sentiment whatsoever in his decision-making process.
This is a results business. Nobody cares about the injuries or anything else. And for one luckless veteran, it seems as if his time in Washington will end up being fleeting.
Commanders should be thinking bigger than Deatrich Wise Jr. in free agency
Instead of looking at the bigger picture last offseason, Peters turned his attention to proven veterans on one-year deals who could help the Commanders get over the hump. One of those was defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., who ended his long association with the New England Patriots to join Washington's ambitious project.
Wise's ability as a clean edge setter against the run was something the Commanders desperately needed. Nobody was expecting miracles from a pass-rushing standpoint, but the former Arkansas standout's strong summer left reasons for encouragement.
Sadly, it didn't last. Wise performed relatively well in Week 1 against the New York Giants. He lasted just 11 defensive snaps during Washington's defeat to the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. As it turned out, the injury was significant, placing him on season-ending injured reserve.
This was a body blow to the player and Washington. When Dorance Armstrong Jr. also went to the shelf midway through the campaign, the Commanders were running almost empty on their defensive edge.
Peters has already signified his desire to significantly strengthen the team's pass-rushing options during his third recruitment phase at the helm. The Commanders need more dynamism, energy, and explosiveness. They must move away from veterans past their prime, focusing on draft prospects with potential or free agents coming off their rookie deals with long-term upside.
Anything less is organizational malpractice after how things unfolded in 2025.
It would be a huge shock if those plans included Wise, unless he is willing to come back on a veteran's minimum deal with no guarantee about his roster status. Anything less, and the Commanders should let the Super Bowl champion take his chances on another club when the time comes.
Wise was dealt a devastating early setback, ending his ability to be impactful almost before it began. But this is a cold business when push comes to shove.