Commanders are banking on potential with contract extension for young, intriguing free agent to fix glaring need
The Commanders are keeping a young defender around who can help rush the quarterback next season, and hopefully hit his ceiling with a full offseason.
The Washington Commanders are ready to swing big this offseason, and their biggest focus should be on the defense and finally solidifying the EDGE position.
Prepare for general manager Adam Peters to exhaust all options at EDGE, including All-Pro Trey Hendrickson, but also under-the-radar signings. Last year, the Commanders ignored the position, but they did bring in a young free agent worth checking on, and they’re bringing Drake Jackson back to see if he can thrive in Daronte Jones’ new defensive scheme.
The Commanders extend young EDGE Drake Jackson
The Commanders have already decided to extend key depth players like Deatrich Wise, who can bring a veteran presence, but they also want to get younger this offseason. Last year, the Commanders signed Jackson, who is still just 24 years old, and they’re banking on his potential by extending him before he becomes a free agent.
Free agency begins next week, but the Commanders only had two EDGE players on the roster before the recent moves this week. Building a solid foundation of depth players is key so the Commanders can take the swings they want, and finally find their answer at the position.
Jackson’s extension also shows that they see potential in him and believe a full offseason can do a lot for his development.
Drake Jackson can become a key player on the defensive line
Jackson was signed in October, and then he was given time to let his knee heal. He was then activated in December and played in 61 snaps while learning a new defense. Jackson finished with four pressures and four hurries on just 30 pass-rush attempts.
A full offseason working under Daronte Jones’ defensive scheme could allow him to play where he’s comfortable and reach his potential. Jackson is 6-4, 273 pounds, so he has alignment versatility along the defensive line.
The Commanders also made a massive coaching change on the defensive line by bringing in coveted coach Eric Henderson, and that alone will see drastic improvement up front. Jackson has all the traits to succeed, but now we need to see it all come to fruition on the field.
Washington Commanders News
Commanders can steal headlining free agent to rebuild aging position group after team shockingly fumbles his contract talks
The Commanders can win free agency if they swoop in to steal the top WR this offseason after saying he wants to test the market.
