4 winners (and 2 losers) from first wave of Commanders 2024 free agency

Winners No. 3 and No. 4

Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen - Commanders DTs

Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne were hung out to dry over the second half of 2023. The Washington Commanders disintegrated their edge-rushing threat by deciding to trade Montez Sweat and Chase Young. This made things incredibly difficult for the defensive tackle tandem, who were the focus of opposing protection schemes constantly thanks to the unit having no legitimate outside threat.

Nobody should be happier about the moves Washington made over the first wave of free agency. The Commanders fortified their linebacking options with two established stars - Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner - in addition to adding an athletically gifted playmaker in Jeremy Chinn. They also managed to find immediate solutions to improve their pass-rushing arsenal for good measure.

Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. know what's expected with Dan Quinn's scheme from their time working with the coach in Dallas. Clelin Ferrell is a low-risk, high-reward pickup. Efe Obada returning on a one-year deal should also improve depth once he gets back from a serious leg injury.

With the prospect of further reinforcements arriving via the draft and a more expansive defensive scheme, Allen and Payne could be set for big things in 2024. If the dominant duo returns to the form of old, it could be the primary catalyst behind better defensive fortunes under Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.