Commanders Can Replace Chase Young With Cowboys’ Pass-Rusher in Free Agency
Trading defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat predictably wrecked the Washington Commanders’ pass rush. The franchise can solve the problem by signing Dorance Armstrong Jr. from the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 NFL free agency.
A “secondary pass-rusher,” Armstrong’s “length gives him the ability to line up in multiple spots so he could really fit in with most defensive systems,” per Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine.
Armstrong merits “a larger role than the one he has in Dallas right now,” thanks to 6.5 sacks. No pass-rusher on Washington’s roster has recorded as many quarterback takedowns after Young and Sweat left town.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. Can Solve Commanders’ Problem
Take away the 11.5 sacks Young and Sweat combined for, and the Commanders have just 27.5 to their collective credit. This is a defense in need of an active and versatile pressure specialist.
Armstrong fits the bill thanks to plays like this hit on Bryce Young against the Carolina Panthers, highlighted by Aaron Day of DLineVids.
No. 92 is winning in a variety of ways and from multiple spots this season. He’s also logged 11 QB hits and six tackles for loss, per Pro Football Reference.
Armstrong is even a menace whenever he slides inside to defensive tackle. He helped force a fumble by Matthew Stafford against the Los Angeles Rams in 2022 by winning over left guard, per Jon Machota of The Athletic.
This level of flexibility would help Armstrong become a key part of a more expansive pass-rush scheme for the Commanders. Variety has been in short supply on head coach Ron Rivera’s watch, but the 61-year-old is widely expected to be fired.
