The Washington Commanders are entering a pivotal offseason, especially on the defensive side of the ball. With Daronte Jones stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, the front office’s next moves could go a long way in determining how quickly - and how effectively - this unit can turn the corner.
And if Jones is going to implement his system the way he envisions it, he’s going to need the right pieces. That might include a few familiar faces from his past.
One name that makes a lot of sense? Eric Wilson.
Wilson just wrapped up a productive season with the Minnesota Vikings, and there’s a real chance the Commanders could bring him in as a short-term solution at linebacker. The connection here is obvious: Wilson and Jones have worked together before, and that familiarity could be a huge asset during a time of transition.
Now, let’s be clear - Wilson isn’t a long-term fix. He’ll be 32 during the 2026 season, and Washington absolutely needs to get younger and faster on defense. But in the short term, Wilson could provide something this team desperately needs: stability.
Despite his age, Wilson showed he still has gas in the tank. He finished the season with 6.5 sacks and 115 tackles - strong numbers for a linebacker in today’s game.
He was sharp in coverage too, breaking up four passes and holding opposing quarterbacks to an 82.3 passer rating when targeted. That kind of versatility and production doesn’t go unnoticed, especially for a defense that’s trying to establish a new identity.
But what might be even more valuable than the stats is what Wilson brings between the snaps. His pre-snap communication was a major asset for the Vikings, and that could be crucial in helping the Commanders get up to speed in Jones’ system. Having a veteran on the field who knows exactly what the coordinator wants - and can help others execute it - is the kind of intangible that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet but makes a real difference on Sundays.
Financially, this move wouldn’t break the bank either. Spotrac projects Wilson to command a one-year deal worth around $4.32 million. That’s a reasonable number for a player who can serve as a bridge while the team develops younger talent, especially if Bobby Wagner departs in free agency as expected.
Of course, Wilson shouldn’t be the only addition. Washington still needs to invest in younger, long-term options at linebacker - whether that’s through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft. But every roster needs a mix of veterans and youth, and Wilson could be the kind of stopgap who helps elevate the floor while the ceiling continues to develop.
Not every signing is going to be a headline-maker. And not every player brought in this offseason is going to be part of the Commanders’ long-term vision. But smart, strategic additions like Wilson can help lay the foundation for what Jones is trying to build.
And with Adam Peters now calling the shots in the front office, it would be wise for him to lean heavily on Jones’ insight when it comes to shaping this defense. If Jones believes Wilson can still play and be a tone-setter in the locker room, it’s a move worth considering. Because in a year where the Commanders are trying to reset their defensive identity, every piece matters - especially the ones who already know how the puzzle is supposed to look.