A notable NFL insider believes the Washington Commanders could be a potential suitor for an under-the-radar pass rusher with a high upside.
Heading into the 2024 NFL season, the last time Commanders fans saw their team be a better than .500 squad was over a decade ago. With a new head coach, general manager, owner, and franchise quarterback, the assumption was that this past season would be another rebuilding year.
However, the Commanders ended up being one of the best stories in the NFL last season as first round pick Jayden Daniels played at a Pro Bowl-level and helped guide the team to a stunning 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship game. That is why this is a big offseason for the team’s front office.
They are in striking distance of a Super Bowl trip and have to maximize upcoming seasons where Daniels is making rookie scale money. That is why they have to find the final pieces of a title contender in the draft and NFL free agency. Fortunately for Washington they have a boatload of money to spend, $67.7 million to be exact (via Over The Cap).
While the team has been linked to quite a few players already in various NFL rumors, one league insider believes they could be a contender for a high-upside pass rusher on the open market.
Related: Washington Commanders, New England Patriots reportedly competing for top OL
Washington Commanders to target Dayo Odeyingbo?
“Indianapolis Colts DE Dayo Odeyingbo’s a name we raised in last week’s takeaways,” Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer wrote. “A super-sized edge, some team betting on the 25-year-old’s rise with 15.5 career sacks could wind up having to pay close to $20 million per year for him. The Commanders, who are looking for edge rushers, might be a fit.”
Despite getting the most starts of his career (14) in 2024, Odeyingbo regressed a bit this past season. However, he had a breakout season in 2023 as he posted 8.0 sacks and 38 tackles as part of the Colts front four rotation.
- Dayo Odeyingbo stats (2024): 3 sacks, 31 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 17 QB hits
At just 25 years old, there is reason to believe the New York native has only scratched the surface of his potential. Being surrounded by pass rushers like Dante Fowler Jr. and Frankie Luvu in 2025 could give the youngster opportunities to evolve into a serious impact player for the Washington Commanders if they sign him.
Related: Washington Commanders exploring blockbuster trade for All-Pro defender