Commanders could sign future Hall of Fame defender in free agency

The Washington Commanders have their sights set on improving their defense this offseason.

Oct 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders will be an active team in free agency this offseason, and players will be looking to try and get on board in the nation's capital for next season and beyond.

One of those players could be Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack, who is a free agent for the first time since being chosen as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Pro Football Focus writer Mason Cameron believes that the Commanders could be a landing spot for Mack.

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Oct 21, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Mack to D.C.?

"After briefly entertaining retirement, Mack is returning for 2025 and will enter the free-agent market as the top available edge rusher. With his remaining time in the league being limited, Mack may prioritize going to a club poised for success in the coming year, something the Commanders and Lions could pitch," Cameron writes. 

"Although Dan Quinn’s defense may have finished in the top 12 in sacks this season, it came largely as a result of the scheme. Washington committed to a top-five blitz rate (32.8%) — the highest ever for a Quinn-led defense — and clocked the fewest snaps with four or fewer pass-rushers in the NFL during the regular season. With Dorance Armstrong finishing as the Commanders' only pass-rusher to exceed a 70.0 PFF overall grade and the contracts for Dante Fowler Jr. and Clelin Ferrell expiring, adding a force on the edge like Mack would allow Quinn to maintain balance."

The Commanders lack a true No. 1 pass rusher, so adding Mack to the team could be giving Washington the missing piece between being eliminated in the playoffs and reaching the Super Bowl.

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