If there was a single position that the Washington Commanders still had to be concerned over, it was the defensive line.
Washington lost Dante Fowler Jr. to free agency, and didn't really address the position during the 2025 draft. There may be a good reason for that, though.
Former first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney did not become the kind of all-time great star many expected of him out of South Carolina. That doesn't mea he hasn't had a successful career.
As Clowney enters his 12th season in the league, he is looking for a new home. The Commanders might just be the perfect fit for the veteran.
At least that is what Brad Crawford from CBS Sports argued this week.
"The Commanders are one of several teams in need of edge rush help, and surprisingly, failed to pick up one in the NFL Draft," Crawford wrote. "After losing Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency after his 10.5-sack season in 2024, that's a major hole to fill for Washington in its quest to return to the NFC Championship — and beyond.
"While it's no guarantee the former South Carolina standout can stay injury-free in 2025 given his career medical report, he did play in 14 games last season for the Panthers -- all starts -- and appeared in 17 games during the 2023 campaign for the Baltimore Ravens."
There's an argument to be made that Clowney could walk in to the Commanders and immediately be their top edge rusher. He has recorded 58 sacks in his career, and is a three-time Pro Bowler.
