The Washington Commanders' roster is in pretty good shape heading into their preparations for the 2025 campaign. Adam Peters maximized every resource throughout the recruitment period. He put the exclamation point on this with a strong draft despite the limited assets at his disposal.
This is incredibly positive as the Commanders aim for another deep postseason run in 2025. However, fans are growing increasingly concerned regarding one problem area that could hold Washington back when push comes to shove.
The Commanders couldn't acquire another edge rusher during the draft. This was arguably their biggest remaining need coming into the selection event, so it was surprising to see some intriguing options get overlooked. Peters doesn't ignore prospects high on his board because they don't fit a perceived need. He takes the best available and worries about the rest later.
Washington is thin on the ground where productive edge rushers are concerned. Their free-agent signings should help improve matters against the run, but the explosiveness is sorely lacking. Peters could be content with the options available, even if this represents a huge gamble with big-time ramifications attached.
Commanders should sign Za'Darius Smith to bolster their edge-rushing options
Peters might look to the free-agent market for another option if he feels like more is needed. And there is one signing that couldn't be clearer in pursuit of rectifying this issue.
The Commanders would be wise to examine Za'Darius Smith's availability in greater detail. He's looking for alternative employment on a contending team after his time with the Detroit Lions concluded. Washington can offer him exactly that in a prominent role.
Smith remains a formidable edge rusher capable of generating pressure consistently. He'll be 33 years old next season, but his nine sacks on two teams last time around suggest there is some good football left in the tank. This also fits Washington's mold of acquiring veteran players with high experience and leadership after moving to win-now mode quicker than anticipated.
The former fourth-round pick out of Kentucky would relish the chance to join Dan Quinn's ambitious project. He's a savvy pass-rushing threat capable of causing havoc when early momentum is generated. His 63 total pressures in 2024 ranked No. 10 league-wide. That's the sort of productivity the Commanders don't have right now.
There's also a lot to like about Smith's output against the run. He might not have the elite-level quick-twitch traits he displayed earlier in his career, but his discipline and assured tackling make him a run-stopping asset.
The Commanders have more than $26 million in available salary-cap space at things stand. Peters will keep some spare cash for in-season moves, but there is more than enough to make Smith an acceptable offer. And looking at the available options on the market, he's right at the top.
Watch this space…