After a run to the NFC Championship Game in 2024, the Washington Commanders came crashing back down to earth in 2025. A season that began with promise unraveled quickly, ending with just five wins and far more questions than answers.
Injuries played a major role-rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels missed significant time, and star wideout Terry McLaurin was also sidelined for a large stretch. But the issues went deeper than just health.
Defensively, Washington struggled mightily. The unit gave up the third-most touchdowns in the league, and their inability to generate consistent pressure off the edge left opposing quarterbacks far too comfortable. For a team that had built its identity on a physical, attacking defense just a year prior, the drop-off was stark-and costly.
Which brings us to the offseason, where Washington has some serious work to do. At the top of that to-do list?
Finding a defensive playmaker who can change games. And if they want to make a splash, the trade market might be their best bet.
One name that’s surfaced in league circles: T.J. Watt.
According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo, speaking on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, the Steelers could potentially fetch a second-round pick in return for Watt if they were willing to move him. That’s a big “if,” considering Watt is still one of the league’s most respected pass rushers and the heartbeat of Pittsburgh’s defense. But it’s worth noting that conversations like these don’t happen in a vacuum-teams talk, and when a player of Watt’s caliber is even hypothetically available, front offices pay attention.
Watt signed a three-year extension last offseason that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. That kind of contract reflects elite production, and while his sack numbers have dipped a bit-18.5 over the last two seasons after a monster 19-sack campaign in 2023-he’s still a force offenses have to account for on every snap.
For Washington, the challenge is twofold. First, they don’t currently hold a second-round pick in the 2026 draft, which could complicate any trade talks. However, a 2027 second-rounder might still hold enough value to get Pittsburgh’s attention, especially with next year’s draft class projected to be deeper across the board.
It’s the kind of move that would signal a clear direction for the Commanders: reloading the defense with proven talent and giving their young quarterback a better chance to compete. After a season that left fans and the front office alike searching for answers, adding a player like Watt would be a bold step toward getting back on track.
Of course, nothing is imminent, and a lot can change between now and the start of next season. But if Washington is serious about reshaping its defense-and there's every reason to believe they are-then pursuing a game-wrecker off the edge should be more than just a priority. It should be the plan.