The Washington Commanders are aiming to build on their unexpected success in the 2024 season, which saw them make a surprising playoff run all the way to the NFC Championship Game.
Guided by reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, the Commanders posted a 12-5 record and shocked the top-seeded Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round. They’ve already bolstered their offense by acquiring former All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers, providing Daniels with another dynamic weapon and a strong No. 2 option alongside Terry McLaurin.
However, the team faces significant gaps on the defensive front. They parted ways with two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, while edge rushers Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler Jr. remain unsigned. With $79.9 million in cap space, per OverTheCap.com, Washington has plenty of financial flexibility to target top-tier free agents.
For that reason, one NFL insider is predicting that Washington will land a four-time Pro Bowl defensive end from a division rival.
Insider: Washington Commanders will land defensive end coming off injury
The Athletic’s Mike Jones predicts that the Commanders will sign defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who has spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. Beyond his talent, there’s a strong connection—Lawrence thrived under Commanders head coach Dan Quinn when Quinn served as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator.
“Edge rusher is one of Washington’s biggest defensive needs, and Lawrence can make a significant impact,” Jones noted. “Having played under Dan Quinn in Dallas from 2021 to 2023 and earning back-to-back Pro Bowl selections, Lawrence has averaged 7.4 sacks per season over his career.”
Lawrence was limited to just four games in 2024 due to a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, but he is expected to make a full recovery for the 2025 season.
“He’s coming off a foot injury that kept him sidelined for most of last season, but now that he’s healthy, Lawrence could be a major force in Washington,” Jones added.
During his 11 seasons with Dallas, Lawrence has put up impressive numbers, including 61.5 sacks, 97 tackles for loss, 126 quarterback hits, 21 forced fumbles, and four Pro Bowl appearances. If signed, he would provide an immediate boost to Washington’s defense as they aim to build on last year’s success.
