Adam Peters was more aggressive than ever during his second offseason as Washington Commanders general manager. Some moves came with significant fanfare attached. Others went unnoticed in comparison, but that doesn't mean they cannot be equally if not more vital to the team's chances in 2025.
One savvy veteran acquisition already looks like a shrewd piece of business by the Commanders. Something that could help resolve what became a glaring flaw during their deep postseason run last time around.
The Commanders have concerns about their edge-rushing options. Fans thought more should have been done to provide an extra sense of explosiveness to the pass rush, which fell short in critical moments. Peters seems content with the options available, but it's not hard to see where the complications could arise.
Commanders have one primary objective in mind for Deatrich Wise Jr.
Deatrich Wise Jr. was one of the very few new additions to the defensive edge. The accomplished performer ended his eight-year association with the New England Patriots this offseason in favor of Washington, getting a one-year deal that could be worth up to $5 million with incentives.
Wise has 34 career sacks and 12 passes defended. He's a limited pass-rusher, but that's not his primary objective in Washington. The former fourth-round pick out of Arkansas will be an integral part of the Commanders becoming a force to be reckoned with against the run.
They were found wanting in the trenches last season. One lost count of how many outside runs went for big yardage, especially against the Philadelphia Eagles and dynamic running back Saquon Barkley. Wise is here to change all that, and he's already making his presence felt over early workouts, according to those in attendance.
Unless there's a dramatic shift in course, Wise looks set to start opposite Dorance Armstrong Jr. at the defensive end spots. Joe Whitt Jr. plans to deploy Javon Kinlaw on the edge in specific situations, which could be a potential masterstroke if everything comes together. But make no mistake, Peters won't hesitate to ring the changes if he isn't satisfied with the progress being made.
That's a hypothetical for the future. For now, Wise looks like someone capable of changing the narrative. He's an accomplished run-stuffer, setting a clean edge and leaving his mark through a solid base and strong tackling technique. Not many of the Commanders' edge stars could say the same based on last season's efforts.
It's another short-term fix from Peters' perspective. The Commanders are banking on experience to steer them through once again. Wise will be a big part of that, and this might just be the spark that ignites Washington to better fortunes with their run defense.
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