It’s a brand new day for the Washington Commanders.
Just a few seasons removed from the turbulent Dan Snyder era, the team has emerged as one of the most promising young squads in the NFL.
With quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the charge and a trip to the NFC Championship already under his belt, the Commanders are no longer an afterthought in the conference – they’re a serious contender.
But despite the optimism, there are still roster concerns, particularly on defense.
Washington’s once-feared pass rush could take a step back in 2025 following the departure of edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr., who led the team in sacks last season.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton highlighted the potential impact of Fowler’s exit, noting the gap it leaves in the Commanders’ defensive front.
“Last season, Dante Fowler Jr. led Washington in sacks with 10.5. In free agency, he signed with his former team, the Cowboys,” Moton wrote.
“The Commanders have tried to shore up the defensive end position, signing Deatrich Wise and Jacob Martin. They can continue to stockpile veterans to bolster their pass-rushing committee.”
Among the names suggested as a possible solution: veteran defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who most recently suited up for the Carolina Panthers.
“At 32, Clowney can be productive in a rotational role,” Moton added. “Last year, he recorded 46 tackles, nine for loss, 5.5 sacks and 22 pressures while on the field for 64 percent of the defensive snaps.”
Clowney could find new life in Washington, where he’d be supported by a deeper and more competitive roster than he had in Carolina.
While the defense works to fill key holes, the offense appears to be in excellent hands with Daniels.
The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year is already earning high praise heading into Year 2, including from Pro Football Focus, which ranked him as the No. 6 quarterback in the NFL ahead of the 2025 season.
“Perhaps we’re crowning Daniels a bit too early, as plenty of quarterbacks have had standout rookie seasons only to regress in Year 2. But what separates Daniels is his poise under pressure and in clutch moments late in the year,” PFF’s John Kosko stated.
Kosko didn’t hold back in his assessment of Daniels’ debut season.
“His rookie campaign was arguably the best we’ve ever seen, with his 90.6 overall grade marking the highest ever recorded by PFF for a rookie quarterback,” Kosko added.
Daniels threw for 3,568 yards with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2024, adding another 891 yards and six scores on the ground.
His dynamic play helped propel Washington to the NFC title game, a stunning rise for a franchise once mired in dysfunction.
Now, with a franchise quarterback in place and a youthful roster teeming with talent, the Commanders are building toward something big.
Still, if they hope to reach the next level and dethrone NFC heavyweights like the Eagles and Lions, shoring up the pass rush will be critical.
For now, optimism reigns in Washington. And with Daniels under center, the Commanders finally have something truly hopeful to look forward to.
What are your thoughts on the speculation that the Commanders should target Clowney? … Would he help push Washington over the top???
