NFL rumors: Insider predicts Washington Commanders will sign four-time Pro Bowler from NFC East rival
The Washington Commanders are looking to build upon a surprising 2024 season where they made an unexpected playoff push to the NFC Championship game.
Led by reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, the Commanders finished 12-5 and stunned the No. 1 NFC seed Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. They’ve already upgraded their offense, trading for former All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers, giving Daniels another playmaker and a very solid No. 2 wide receiver alongside Terry McLaurin.
However, the Commanders have significant holes to fill on the defensive front. They released two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, while edge rushers Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler Jr. remain free agents. According to OverTheCap.com, Washington holds $79.9 million in cap space, giving them plenty of flexibility to pursue top free agents.
That’s why one NFL insider is predicting Washington will sign a four-time Pro Bowl defensive end from an NFC East rival.
Insider: Washington Commanders will land defensive end coming off injury
The Athletic’s Mike Jones predicts the Commanders will sign defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who has played his entire 11-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. The connection runs deeper than just talent — Lawrence thrived under Commanders head coach Dan Quinn during Quinn’s tenure as the Cowboys defensive coordinator.
“Edge rusher is one of the biggest needs on Washington’s defense and Lawrence can help in a big way,” Jones noted. “Lawrence, who played under Dan Quinn in Dallas from 2021 to 2023 and reached the Pro Bowl in back-to-back seasons, has averaged 7.4 sacks per season during his 11-year career.”
Lawrence only played four games in 2024 after suffering a Lisfranc injury to his right foot, but he’s expected to make a full recovery for the 2025 season.
“He’s coming off a season limited by a foot injury to four games, but now healthy again, Lawrence would make his presence felt in D.C.,” added Jones.
Over his 11 seasons in Dallas, Lawrence has accumulated impressive numbers: 61.5 sacks, 97 tackles for loss, 126 quarterback hits, 21 forced fumbles, and four Pro Bowl selections. His potential signing would give Washington’s defense an immediate boost as they look to build on last season’s success.
Ertz can earn up to $9 million with incentives. Returning to Washington always made the most sense for the 34-year-old tight end after he appeared in all 17 regular-season games for the Commanders last season, reeling in 66 of 91 targets for 654 yards and seven touchdowns as one of Jayden Daniels’ safety blankets in the middle of the field and red zone.
Ertz’s seven scores were his most since back-to-back eight-TD seasons in 2017 and 2018 with the Eagles. He also had a productive postseason, securing 18 passes for 155 yards and one touchdown, including an 11-104-0 effort in the NFC championship loss to Philadelphia. Ertz should once again lead Washington’s tight end room in 2025.
