6 free-agent defensive tackles the Commanders could sign in 2024

Commanders next-best option: Sheldon Rankins

He's not going to alter game plans for opponents the way Chris Jones and Christian Wilkins will, but Sheldon Rankins is a solid and productive defensive tackle. The eight-year pro helped himself to six sacks for the Houston Texans last season.

Rankins even got into the end zone when he returned this fumble for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in Week 16.

Big plays against the pass are common for this natural 3-technique who posted impressive pressure numbers in 2023. Those statistics included 12 pressures, three quarterback knockdowns, and 10 quarterback hits.

Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. need to fix the Commanders' lack of talent at edge-rusher, but Rankins' ability to generate pressure from the inside would still be welcome. Especially when his market value is projected as $9.9 million annually for three years.

Finding more players who can create pressure is a must this offseason, but the Commanders can't ignore the need for a true run-stuffer at the interior. Peters can choose from two Super Bowl-tested veterans.