The Washington Commanders made several big splashes over a profitable free agency period. General manager Adam Peters was under pressure to take drastic action, and the front-office leader delivered for fans with an aggressive approach that has the roster looking better.
However, one signing that went overlooked compared to others has set out his stall about what he plans to bring to the Commanders next season and beyond.
There was an emotional return to the team that drafted him for Tim Settle Jr. The defensive lineman cashed in on an impressive campaign with the Houston Texans by signing a three-year, $23.95 million deal with a $6 million signing bonus and $12 million guaranteed. But make no mistake; the player is planning to make this move much more than nostalgia.
Tim Settle Jr. makes intentions crystal clear after emotional Commanders return
Settle laid out exactly what the Commanders and their loyal fan base should expect during his second spell with the club. Disruption was the main proclamation, and the interior force is confident that new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones has the plan in place to maximize his skill set.
"My goal is to disrupt the game and help people disrupt the game. My key thing is to be destructive here. I'm coming to control the middle of the field. I think I'm gonna be used in a really good way, and I'm gonna be used definitely to help the defense, just being able to penetrate and do what I've been doing in the past in my career."
Adding Settle to Washington's projected switch into a 3-4 base defense brings significant intrigue. Whether that'll be on the nose or as a 3-4 end alongside Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne is anyone's guess, but having this versatility is only going to help smooth Jones' transition to an NFL play-caller.
Settle has the size and functional strength to anchor the line well. His 78.0 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus last season highlighted his ability to push the pile. While having Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter flying off the edge in Houston helped enormously, there's nothing to suggest he cannot do the same in Washington.
The Commanders added three new edge rushers in free agency to go alongside Dorance Armstrong Jr. This firepower will be key for the defensive line's interior. Kinlaw, Payne, and Settle are all capable, whether that be as space-eaters or disruptors. Molding these pieces quickly will be challenging, but the optimism is there for all to see.
And if Settle's loud message is any indication, this is going to be a fun player to watch next season.