4 moves that would bring Commanders back to respectability in 2024

Commanders must bolster their pass-rush

After the Washington Commanders traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young for second and third-round picks respectively before the 2023 deadline, it was seen as waving the proverbial white flag on their chances. As expected, it also completely evaporated any legitimate pass rush the team had over the second half of 2023.

While these moves provided the Commanders with extra financial flexibility and additional draft assets, the need to bolster this unit is one of Adam Peters' biggest priorities this offseason. Anything less would jeopardize the chance of immediate progress under new head coach Dan Quinn.

K.J. Henry looks like someone who could be a useful rotational piece after flashing as a rookie. Quinn's presence could also be the spark that provides linebacker Jamin Davis more opportunities to get after the quarterback. Aside from that, the cupboard is pretty bare on Washington's edge.

Fortunately for the Commanders, they are in a good position to fill this need if the right reinforcements are sought. Their salary-cap space indicates a splash or two can be made in free agency. It might also be worth targeting one of the top-end edge rushers with their bounty of draft picks to further strengthen the ranks.

If the Commanders can find genuine difference-makers capable of wreaking havoc in opposing backfields, it would help enormously. It will also take the pressure off other areas and ensure they can improve as a result.