3 remaining Commanders offseason needs after the 2024 NFL Draft

Commanders have edge rushing questions

With Montez Sweat and Chase Young now part of franchise history after being traded before the 2023 deadline, the Washington Commanders find themselves without the talent they previously had. It was one of their biggest needs heading into the offseason, which Adam Peters looked to resolve quickly with veteran options in free agency.

However, the defensive end position for the Commanders is in a bit of a precarious position. This is due to bringing aboard a collage of players that will be tasked with filling the void left by Sweat and Young.

Having brought over Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. from the Dallas Cowboys - as well as former first-round pick Clelin Ferrell from the San Francisco 49ers - the Commanders' edge rushing options will have a completely different feel to them in 2024. Yet one must wonder if this group has enough ability to cause enough pressure. It will be one of the great questions of the season and is one that should reveal itself during the first quarter of the campaign.

If the Commanders don't have enough of an outside pass rush - and should second-round pick Johnny Newton begin to assert himself - the Commanders could switch him to the defensive end role in a 3-4 base scheme or - perhaps more drastic - look to recoup some draft capital for Jonathan Allen if he doesn't return to the form of old.

The Commanders would be wise to keep their eye on the market for a more proven defensive end. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. might be able to get more out of the options around - especially K.J. Henry after his promising rookie flashes - but no team can ever have enough quality players capable of wreaking havoc in opposing backfields.

Peters also has the money to pull off a trade or veteran signing if the right opportunity comes along.