There’s no doubt the Washington Commanders need defensive help in 2025. The Commanders were one of the worst NFL teams against the run and could also use an impact pass rusher.
Picking 29th in the 2025 NFL draft, the Commanders may not land one of the draft’s top edge rushers. The good news is this draft has good depth along the defensive line.
Washington’s edge rushers last season were Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell and rookie Javontae Jean-Baptiste. Only Armstrong and Jean-Baptiste are under contract for 2025. The Commanders would love to bring Fowler back. He’s extremely close to head coach Dan Quinn, but he had 10.5 sacks last season and could be looking for more than Washington is willing to pay.
There could be help in the free-agent market, though. Khalil Mack is a potential future Hall of Famer and is scheduled to be a free agent next month. The knock on Mack is his age. He will turn 34 this week.
Washington has a pair of 34-year-olds who are also free agents next month: Linebacker Bobby Wagner and tight end Zach Ertz. Both players were excellent last season and want to return.
Would the Commanders want to add another older player?
They should absolutely be interested. Mack is not going to cost Washington big money on a long-term deal. At most, he’ll land a two-year contract in the offseason because he proved last season for the Chargers that he’s still playing at a high level.
Mack recorded six sacks last season after finishing with 17 in 2023. Another area where Mack excels is against the run. Washington needs a defensive end who can set the edge in the running game.
Mack could be the perfect short-term option for the Commanders next season.