The Washington Commanders are light on edge-rushing options entering the new season. Therefore, it shouldn't have come as a shock to see the franchise linked with a new name on the free-agent market.
Jadeveon Clowney was cut by the Carolina Panthers after they secured Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen during the draft. This was a business decision, although some fans thought keeping the veteran edge rusher around as a mentor would be more beneficial than just releasing him entirely.
Something could have gone on behind the scenes between Clowney and general manager Dan Morgan, there's just no telling for sure. Either way, it puts another Pro Bowl performer under the microscope and potentially within the Commanders' grasp if they identify him as someone who could assist.
Commanders named among potential suitors for veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney
Jordan Dajani from CBS Sports placed the Commanders front and center of speculation, listing Washington at No. 1 in his list of potential suitors for Clowney. The analyst believes he'd be a solid addition, especially considering Dante Fowler Jr. bolted for the Dallas Cowboys in free agency.
The Washington Commanders failed to select a pass rusher in the draft despite it being a pretty notable need. Their 2024 sack leader, Dante Fowler Jr., signed with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency, and his 10.5 quarterback takedowns were more than the rest of Washington's defensive ends recorded combined. Clowney would be a solid addition for a team looking to win now -- as indicated by some of the other moves general manager Adam Peters has made since last year's trade deadline.Jordan Dajani
There's a lot to like about this fit. The Commanders are ready to win now, so they'd be an attractive destination for the 32-year-old former No. 1 pick. They could also offer him a prominent role, either as a situational edge rusher or a run-stopping 4-3 defensive end with the freedom to generate pressure at will.
Much will depend on the money Clowney wants. He's earned plenty of that throughout his career, so taking a little less to land on a team with a legitimate chance to reach the Super Bowl seems feasible. Anyone worrying about his locker room fit shouldn't bother, based on how his leadership and motivational prowess came across last season in Carolina.
Adam Peters will consider the possibility. His aggressive approach this offseason dictates as much. Whether it amounts to anything more is another matter, but it's not hard to see how someone with Clowney's credentials would be an excellent addition to the ranks.
