The Washington Commanders are rapidly shaping a promising roster around Jayden Daniels, positioning themselves as serious contenders for the Super Bowl. Despite their strengths, the team faces a glaring weakness on the defensive line, particularly with pass rushing.
Washington lost key pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys in free agency, a surprising decision given his close personal bond with coach Dan Quinn. Quinn and Fowler’s relationship dates back to their time at the University of Florida, where Quinn coached and even hosted Fowler for Thanksgiving dinner. Fowler’s 10.5 sacks last season made his departure even more puzzling, especially since the Commanders did not adequately address this gap in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Now, an opportunity presents itself to reinforce the defensive front, which NFL insider Mike Fisher describes as an obvious choice: signing Jadeveon Clowney.
The Case for Adding Jadeveon Clowney to Strengthen Washington’s Pass Rush
Once the top selection in the NFL Draft, Jadeveon Clowney entered the league with immense expectations. While he has yet to fully realize the superstar potential many anticipated, Clowney has accumulated 58 career sacks along with three Pro Bowl appearances. His experience remains valuable, especially for a defensive front in need of immediate impact.
In recent seasons, Clowney started in 14 games for the Carolina Panthers and previously participated in all 17 contests for the Baltimore Ravens. Brad Crawford of CBS Sports recently highlighted Clowney’s continued relevance and potential contribution.
Mike Fisher noted,
“Washington isn’t just a needy team here; the Commanders are starving for Clowney. He wouldn’t turn a weakness into a strength, but he’d be one small step that fits Washington’s championship push.”
This suggests Clowney’s presence could be an important incremental boost, even if not an outright game-changer.
Washington’s Defensive Line Challenges and Future Outlook
Coach Dan Quinn might still be evaluating his options for improving the pass rush, but the lack of defensive line reinforcements is evident. The loss of Fowler to a divisional rival exacerbates the urgency for a solution. Bringing in Clowney could provide valuable depth and experience to a unit that must improve to complement the Commanders’ offense led by Jayden Daniels.
This targeted move aligns with Washington’s broader ambitions to contend for the championship this season. Addressing the defensive line’s pass-rushing struggle is essential for maintaining balance and competitiveness throughout the NFL’s tough schedule.