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The Washington Commanders are focusing on improving their edge rusher position after a disappointing 2025 season. General manager Adam Peters aims to make the team younger and faster through free agency signings.
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When the Washington Commanders finished 5-12 last season, it exposed many flaws 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 that injury luck went in the opposite direction in 2025.
General manager Adam Peters said his goal this offseason was to get "younger and faster." Peters said this two days after the end of a disappointing season. It wasn't just lip service from Peters. In free agency, the Commanders signed over a dozen outside free agents, most of whom were coming off their rookie contracts.
The Commanders had multiple positions to address this offseason, but one stood out: edge rusher. When Dorance Armstrong went down in Week 7 last season, Washington struggled to get to opposing passers. And, remember, the Commanders were looking for edge rushers before the 2025 season, inquiring about the availability of 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 this season, John Keim said edge rusher.
The Commanders knew they had 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 . Before the injury, Washington had a 45.4% pass rush win rate; from Week 7 on it was 30.8%.
The Commanders improved the edge rusher position the most in 2026, according to ESPN's rankings.
Adam Peters is the general manager of the Washington Commanders.
Injuries significantly impacted the Commanders' performance in 2025, leading to struggles in getting to opposing passers.

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Now, the Commanders will pair Armstrong with free agent signees Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson. Plus, they drafted a developmental edge in fifth-rounder Joshua Josephs and signed Charles Omenihu, who likely will rush a lot inside.
You could make the case that the linebacker position was the most improved, but Keim is right here. The Commanders needed multiple edge rushers, including two potential starters, depending on Armstrong's health, to begin the season, and 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 jump-started his season.
Chaisson, like Oweh, is also a former first-round pick. After a slow start to his career, Chaisson began turning things around with the Raiders in 2024. His best season came last year with the Patriots, where he not only provided a solid pass rush but also proved he was a capable run defender. Washington was thrilled to land Chaisson, even though it's only a one-year deal.
Omenihu is a proven veteran who thrives as a situational pass rusher. The Commanders don't need him to start, although he can, if needed.
Josephs is a high-ceiling edge who hasn't yet played up to his potential. Washington was shocked to land him in the fifth round. A good developmental prospect.
The Commanders will also get Armstrong back. He was on pace for his best career season before injuring his knee. Barring injuries, there's no doubt that Washington's defense will be much improved in 2026, and that begins with the pass rush.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: What position is most improved?