3 positives (and 2 concerns) from the Commanders' 2024 offseason

Positive No. 3

Commanders linebacker revamp

Prioritizing the linebacking corps was never high on Ron Rivera's agenda. The previous head coach opted to focus his attention elsewhere for reinforcements. Jack Del Rio wasn't too keen on specialist second-level defenders either. They both paid the price with their jobs.

Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. are adopting a different defensive mindset. This made strengthening the linebacker options essential to ensure they got a chance to be more competitive. Something that didn't go unnoticed by Adam Peters during his drastic roster makeover.

Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner were two high-profile signings who should help enormously. The experienced duo gained 308 tackles between them last season. Their presence should inspire and raise standards on and off the field instantly.

Both Luvu and Wagner have made imposing starts to life with the Commanders. Praise has been glowing from players and teammates alike. Hopefully, this can push others and provide the dynamic spark that was sorely lacking last time around.

The Commanders weren't content with that. Mykal Walker and Anthony Pittman were acquired to solidify depth and provide the special teams unit with some extra juice. Washington also drafted Jordan Magee, who comes into the league with the athletic intangibles Quinn had great success with previously.

Nobody should be happier about these additions than Jamin Davis. The former first-round pick out of Kentucky is going to be deployed differently next season. He'll be tasked with more edge responsibilities and could even line up as a defensive end if the situation dictates.

The linebacker group was seen as a significant weak link as teams ran through the Commanders last season. Looking at the roster as it stands, the unit might become one of Washington's biggest strengths if everyone avoids the injury bug.

There are no guarantees in the NFL. However, the Commanders' defense is in a much better spot right now after Peters finally gave the linebacking corps the respect it deserved.