There is no doubt that the Washington Commanders need a complete overhaul on defense. This unit was arguably the league's worst last season. And unlike the 2024 campaign, quarterback Jayden Daniels didn't stay healthy enough to mask these glaring issues.
General manager Adam Peters acknowledged that more is needed. However, he's also brought back a couple of veteran defensive linemen to boost the depth chart in free agency.
Deatrich Wise Jr.'s re-signing adds experience and run-stopping prowess, though he played only two games in 2025 due to injury. That made sense, but there was another move that was far more contentious.
Commanders are giving Shy Tuttle a shot to impact the defensive rotation in 2026
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Commanders have also re-signed Shy Tuttle to a one-year deal. He was a late arrival last season amid Washington's glaring injury problems. Most thought he'd be a short-term stopgap and not much else. They were wrong.
Tuttle was a solid if unspectacular performer during the early stages of his career with the New Orleans Saints. The interior presence then got a pretty decent deal from the Carolina Panthers, where he spent two years as the team's starting nose tackle. It was clear from early on that he wasn't suited to the role, but defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero kept him there anyway.
The Panthers released Tuttle before the 2025 season. He signed for the Tennessee Titans but played a minimal role before being cut. This isn't the most encouraging career trajectory, but the Commanders obviously see a possible role for the veteran within Daronte Jones' schematic concepts.
That cannot be at the nose if Jones runs a 3-4 base system. Tuttle doesn't have the mass or core strength to clog space and absorb double teams effectively. He could be a rotational 3-4 defensive end, but there is just no telling for sure.
At the very least, this gives Tuttle a chance to earn his roster spot in Washington. New arrivals are coming, but the Commanders also need increased competition across the board. That's only going to help instill the senseof urgency needed to turn things around.
Nobody will be expecting miracles from Tuttle. His performance levels have dipped over the last three years. While the former Tennessee college standout is never found wanting for effort, the quality is rarely evident in a competitive setting.
These are minor moves from Peters. Bigger ones are imminent, and the Commanders have plenty of cash to spend. Even though Tuttle surprisingly got another deal, the hard work is just getting started in his quest to make the 53-man roster.