When the Washington Commanders finished 5-12 last season, it highlighted numerous weaknesses in an aging roster that had won 12 games the year before. In 2024, the Commanders were one of the healthiest teams in the NFL, but their injury luck flipped in 2025.
General manager Adam Peters stated his offseason goal was to get “younger and faster,” a comment made two days after the disappointing season ended. This wasn’t just talk. In free agency, the Commanders signed over a dozen outside free agents, most of whom were still on their rookie contracts.
The Commanders had multiple positions to address this offseason, but one stood out: edge rusher. After Dorance Armstrong went down in Week 7 last season, Washington struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Even before the 2025 season began, they had been searching for edge rushers, inquiring about Trey Hendrickson and Myles Garrett.
ESPN recently released its post-NFL draft power rankings, placing Washington at No. 19. When asked which position the Commanders improved the most, John Keim identified edge rusher.
The Commanders knew they needed to get younger and more athletic on the edges this offseason. In 2025, their pass rush collapsed once Dorance Armstrong tore an ACL in the first quarter of their Week 7 loss to Dallas. Before the injury, Washington had a 45.4% pass rush win rate; after Week 7, it dropped to 30.8%.
Now, the Commanders will pair Armstrong with free agent signees Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson. They also added a developmental edge in fifth-round pick Joshua Josephs and signed Charles Omenihu, who will likely rush from inside.
Some might argue that the linebacker position saw the biggest improvement, but Keim’s assessment holds weight. The Commanders needed multiple edge rushers, including two potential starters depending on Armstrong’s health, and they added four. Oweh is coming off the two best seasons of his five-year career. He was dominant in the second half of last year and into the playoffs after a trade to the Chargers revitalized his season.
Chaisson, also a former first-round pick, turned his career around with the Raiders in 2024. His best season came last year with the Patriots, where he provided a solid pass rush and proved capable as a run defender. Washington was thrilled to sign Chaisson, even on a one-year deal.
Omenihu is a proven veteran who excels as a situational pass rusher. The Commanders don’t need him to start, though he can if required.
Josephs is a high-ceiling edge who hasn’t yet reached his potential. Washington was surprised to land him in the fifth round, making him a promising developmental prospect.
The Commanders will also get Armstrong back. He was on pace for his best career season before injuring his knee. Barring further injuries, Washington’s defense should be much improved in 2026, starting with the pass rush.
