Commanders' Dan Quinn Expects Elite Leap from Young Defender

The roster is starting to fill out for the Washington Commanders after having another active free agency period as they look to bounce back from a 5-12 season in 2025.

While all the attention is on the new additions, the departures, and those currently still on the market, it's important not to forget about who the Commanders will carry over from previous seasons.

There is plenty to like about some of the holdovers from previous seasons, but in a recent sit-down with ESPN's Kevin Clark at the NFL Owners Meetings, Washington head coach Dan Quinn revealed the one player he is expecting to take a major leap in 2026.

DQ High on Johnny Newton's Potential

"The first one that comes to mind is defensive tackle, Johnny Newton," said head coach Dan Quinn. "And his first year was injuries, had foot injuries to come in. I think he’s a guy that’s about to just absolutely take off. As a defensive tackle, man, is he quick. So, I think his ability as an interior rusher, I think he'll be somebody you'll say 'Okay, I remember talking to Dan back in March or April or whatever it was, and say this guy turned in to be a heavy hitter'."

After being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Illinois, Newton struggled with foot injuries coming in, but still saw 11 starts his rookie season due to injuries elsewhere before seeing action in all 17 games with two starts this past season.

Washington Commanders DT Jer'Zhan Newto — Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (95) Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Newton's stats increased slightly in 2025, but for someone who was expected to come in and majorly contribute right off the bat, more is desired.

Playing behind Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw, Newton has been somewhat limited, but he will have the chance to prove himself heading into his third season with the team despite those two still being on the team and the addition of Tim Settle in free agency.

With new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones taking over for Joe Whitt Jr., the Commanders' defense will be moving from a 4-3 base to a more multiple version of a 3-4 base. That doesn't necessarily mean that Newton's playing time will dip, but it does mean that he must show the staff that he is deserving of more snaps once offseason programs begin.

It's been speculated that the Commanders and Jones could look to use a heavy three-man front in some packages as well, so that could open up playing time for all the tackles in Washington's trenches.