The Washington Commanders defense has been an issue over the last two seasons for the franchise. Washington finished with a 5-12 record last season and failed to qualify for the playoffs. The Commanders will have the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This will be a golden opportunity for general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn to find more defensive talent on the roster.
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Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) celebrates after Philadelphia Eagles failed on a 4th down conversion during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
There is going to be some very good pass rushers on the board by the time Washington drafts seventh overall. The Commanders need to get this pick right. They also need to either make trades or sign free agents to fix the defensive side of the football as well. This is going to be a pivotal offseason for this franchise and the 2026 season will be huge for this regime.
Washington Commanders Insider Urges Franchise To Find a Pass Rusher This Offseason
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Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (99) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Each NFL team’s insider of the Athletic was asked about what each team needs desperately this offseason. Nicki Jhabvala of the Athletic thinks that Washington needs pass rushing help in the worst way. Jhabvala said,
“The Commanders tried to do without an elite edge rusher the last two seasons and it cost them. Finding one (or two) is now a must. Washington’s void up front was glaring last season, and became especially so when defensive end Dorance Armstrong went down with a season-ending injury. From Week 8 on, the Commanders ranked 26th in the league in pressure rate (32.4 percent of opponent dropbacks). Combined with poor tackling and an often confused secondary, the Commanders’ defense was a mess. Correcting it starts up front. “
In order to win championships in the NFL, teams need to have elite pass rushers. Having an EDGE rusher would no doubt help this team. Washington just got to the NFC Championship Game two seasons ago before they lost to NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. If the Commanders want to get back to the playoffs in 2026, quarterback Jayden Daniels is going to need to stay healthy. Secondly, they will need to find edge rushers and key players who can record sacks and disrupt a game also.
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