These 2 free agents make sense for Commanders ahead of Week 8 vs. Bears

There are holes everywhere on defense for the Washington Commanders, but the deficiencies are most obvious at edge-rusher and safety. Those two positions still offer riches on what's left of the NFL free-agent market.

Two names should appeal to general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. One is a resourceful veteran who showcased his smarts, flexibility, and toughness on Bill Belichick's defenses for the New England Patriots.

The other is a lengthy defensive end with the hybrid skills to suit the schemes of Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. He's well-traveled but has shown an ability to create pressure.

Ifeadi Odenigbo can fill gaps on the edge for Commanders

Being short-handed at the edges of their defensive front didn't deter the Commanders from ditching former first-round draft pick Jamin Davis. The linebacker couldn't convince as an edge-rusher, even though rookie Javontae Jean-Baptiste is on the shelf. Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Clelin Ferrell have also dealt with injuries throughout the campaign to date.

Davis isn't likely to make it back to the practice squad, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. It means there's room to add a true defensive end who knows how to win off the edge.

Ifeadi Odenigbo qualifies as a 6-foot-3, 258-pounder who can put heat on the pocket. A seventh-rounder in the 2017 NFL Draft, he can play both sides of the defensive line and logged seven sacks for the Minnesota Vikings in 2019.

He's since had stops with the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so the 30-year-old has done the rounds. Odenigbo wouldn't be a game-changer up front, but the Commanders need extra bodies to help rush the passer.

Adrian Phillips would stabilise safety spots

There's been something distinctly unimpressive about the performances of Commanders safeties this season. That's despite the presence of talented Quan Martin and newcomer Jeremy Chinn.

The Commanders lack a proven thumper who can keep his head in coverage. Adrian Phillips ticks both boxes as somebody capable of operating at multiple spots in this defense.

The 32-year-old has spent time as a box safety along with the deep third of the field. He could play the hybrid linebacker role Quinn likes to include in his nickel fronts.

Phillips would also work as a big-bodied slot to jam wide receivers, running backs, and "move" tight ends. Somebody with his on-field savvy would improve the fundamentals of Washington's defense. Basic, but essential things like getting lined up right and understanding the situation.

Awareness of these things first recommended Phillips to six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Belichick, based on this quote from Bernd Buchmasser of SB Nation.

"Very instinctive. Very high IQ. Plays faster and bigger than whatever his dimensions and times are. He’s got a real high level of instinctiveness and anticipation. For a lot of players in that position — linebackers, safeties, guys that play kind of in the interior part of the defense — when you have a lot of guys running around, doing different things, no matter how fast the guy is, it can slow them down."

- Bill Belichick via SB Nation

A heady safety capable of adapting to various roles would be an asset for a Commanders' defense that needs to get closer to the standards of an electrifying, Kliff Kingsbury-called offense.

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