The Washington Commanders added another player for Daronte Jones’ new defense yesterday. While majority partner Josh Harris, [general manager Adam Peters](/washington-commanders-news/408102/josh-harris-and-adam-peters-talk-stadium-uniforms-free-agency-and-next-months-nfl-draft), and [head coach Dan Quinn](/washington-commanders-news/408002/dan-quinn-gives-injury-updates-talks-competition-at-center-and-the-new-defense) were fielding questions from reporters at the NFL owners meetings, the team announced the signing of former New York Giants DT D.J. Davidson. He was a 5th-round pick in 2022, playing with Jayden Daniels at Arizona State for three years(2019-21). Davidson played his rookie contract out in New Jersey, became a free agent for the first time last month. He played in 47 games for the Giants, starting 4 of them. Davidson has 49 career tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 3 passes defended. He was placed on injured reserve during his rookie season(ACL) and ended last season on IR(neck, concussion).
The Commanders were committed to fixing the defense this offseason, and that started in free agency. They signed DT Tim Settle, a reunion with the team that drafted him, and added several pass rushers. Washington’s defensive scheme is expected to look different this year, going from Joe Whitt to first-time DC Daronte Jones. D.J. Davidson will compete with Settle and others at nose tackle. Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw are returning as the top DTs on the roster, but they are still adding DL depth.