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USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
What Eagles fans should know about the Washington Commanders before training camp begins
With mid-July fast approaching, we're looking at what Eagles fans should know about the Washington Commanders before training camp begins. The Eagles have one of the youngest teams in the NFL after several key departures and the retirement of Brandon Graham during the offseason. Such attrition provides the opportunity for younger players on the roster to assume larger roles while creating another Super Bowl window for a team that'll have new starters at several key defensive positions. Over the next two weeks, we will conduct mini-previews of four NFC East teams as they begin reporting for training camp, with the Giants' rookies set to report a week from Tuesday. Washington is next, with Philadelphia reporting on July 21 and Dallas reporting on July 22. With mid-July fast approaching, we're looking at what Eagles fans should know about the Washington Commanders before training camp begins. Commanders' external free agency or trade additions this offseason: WR Deebo Samuel Samuel, a second-round pick by the 49ers in 2019, has 5,935 total yards and 42 touchdowns on 536 touches. Although his best season came in 2021, when he earned a Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro selection for amassing 1,770 yards and 14 touchdowns, he has recorded at least 800 scrimmage yards in five of his six NFL seasons. OL Laremy Tunsil Tunsil, a first-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2016, is a five-time Pro Bowler, all of which have come since 2019, with 125 starts in as many games. Few players have performed as well as Tunsil when it comes to protecting quarterbacks, as he received a pass-blocking grade of at least 84 from Pro Football Focus in five of the last six seasons. He allowed zero pressures in seven games last season -- second only to Lane Johnson among offensive tackles. DB Will Harris DT Javon Kinlaw DT Eddie Goldman CB Jonathan Jones DE Deatrich Wise DE Jacob Martin OL Nate Herbig OL Forster Sarell WR Michael Gallup Commanders' external free agency departures this offseason: The Commanders suffered several losses including wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (Bears), safety Darrick Forrest (Bills), offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (Browns), linebacker Mykal Walker (Cardinals), cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (Chargers), defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (Cowboys), wide receiver Dyami Brown (Jaguars), safety Jeremy Chinn (Raiders), and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (Vikings). Commanders key weapons Star rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was 3rd on the team in yards from scrimmage and led the team in rushing yards. Terry McLaurin is a star, Zach Ertz is reliable, and Deebo Samuel will look to regain his mojo. Will the Commanders' free agency additions pan out? The addition of Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil is an immediate upgrade on offense, while Javon Kinlaw provides depth at defensive tackle. How did the Commanders approach the 2025 NFL draft? The Washington Commanders' 2025 draft class includes Josh Conerly Jr. (OT), Trey Amos (CB), Jaylin Lane (WR), Kain Medrano (LB), and Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB). Washington only had five picks, selecting Conerly in the first round, Amos in the second, Lane in the fourth, Medrano in the sixth, and Croskey-Merritt in the seventh. When does training camp for the Washington Commanders begin? Training camp begins for the Commanders on July 22, with rookies reporting on July 18. Washington will hold a training camp at its headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia. The Commanders will hold three open practices for all fans: July 27, July 29, and August 2. They will also have three open practices for season ticket members in select membership types: July 28, July 3,0, and August 4. All practices begin at 9 a.m. ET and are subject to change.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders' Free Agent Signing Tipped To Be Biggest 'Bust'
Commanders' Free Agent Signing Tipped To Be Biggest 'Bust' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders' defense has been the subject of much debate this offseason, with some thinking that Joe Whitt Jr.'s unit will be the reason the franchise doesn't return to the NFC Championship. Advertisement Surprisingly, the franchise let Dante Fowler Jr. go in free agency, after leading the team in sacks last year, and in came New York Jets defender Javon Kinlaw on a three-year, $45 million deal, which some are still shaking their heads at. Starting all 17 games for the Jets last season, just 4.5 sacks were produced, which is a career high, but isn't enough to warrant the contract he got for some. And when naming each team's bust candidate, Bleacher Report named Kinlaw as Washington's. "Simply put, the Washington Commanders probably overpaid to land defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw," Bleacher Report writes. "The 2020 first-round pick had a good year with the Jets in 2024, finishing with 40 tackles and 4.5 sacks. However, Washington gave him high-end starter money. Advertisement "The Commanders were clearly eager to replace Jonathan Allen, who was released just before the start of free agency. However, Kinlaw, who had just five tackles for loss and 12 QB pressures in 2024, is unlikely to play up to his $15 million-per-year contract." (Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images) Now, the Jets weren't exactly a settled organization last season, so the move away might do Kinlaw some good, but there's no doubting he has to see an uptick in his sack numbers. Just 4.5 won't get it done in 2025, considering the Commanders already had trouble getting after the quarterback with Fowler Jr., and now he and his double-digit sacks aren't there, someone has to step up. Advertisement That has to be Kinlaw, along with Daron Payne, but Javon was the big free agency addition, and if the Commanders are to go deep into the playoffs, the defensive line has to come to the party. We know what the offense will do, but as far as Kinlaw and the defense? We have to see it with real NFL bullets flying. Related: Is Jayden Daniels' Commanders' Offense As Good As We Think? Related: Commanders' Deebo Samuel Weirdly Labeled A 'Weakness' After Major Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders Free Agent Signing Called 'Biggest Bust'
Commanders Free Agent Signing Called 'Biggest Bust' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders are doing everything they can to find a way to repeat their success from last year's run to the conference championship game. ... and more. Advertisement The a best-way shortcut to accomplish that goal was to bring in proven talent once the offseason began. Washington did just that. Additions like Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil were trade acquisitions that accented the efforts. There's another free agent acquisition Washington was able to bring in, but his arrival has been met with heavy criticism. Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox listed Washington's signing of defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw as the organization's biggest bust this offseason. "Simply put, the Washington Commanders probably overpaid to land defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw. The 2020 first-round pick had a good year with the Jets in 2024, finishing with 40 tackles and 4.5 sacks. However, Washington gave him high-end starter money," Knox wrote. "The Commanders were eager to replace Jonathan Allen, who was released just before the start of free agency. Advertisement "However, Kinlaw, who had just five tackles for loss and 12 QB pressures in 2024, is unlikely to play up to his $15 million-per-year contract." Kinlaw signed a three-year, $45 million deal with Washington this offseason. And to be frank? The former first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets has not lived up to that status since his arrival in the NFL. While he is coming off a career-high 4.5-sack season, Kinlaw was a mediocre player for Gang Green in 2024 as a run defender. So ... If he can show more prowess not only as a pass rusher, but as an all-around contributor for a team with Super Bowl dreams, he could prove worthy of his large contract. Advertisement But the nasty word "bust'' aside ... it's a tall order for a player who has struggled to do that throughout his career. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders' Marshon Lattimore Trade Earns Pricy Bad News Review
Commanders' Marshon Lattimore Trade Earns Pricy Bad News Review originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After recognizing their potential to compete in the NFC, the Washington Commanders traded for experienced cornerback Marshon Lattimore to create a well-rounded sense of security in the secondary. Most people believe, however, that Washington gave up too much in the trade, dealing away a third, fourth, and fifth-round NFL Draft pick to the New Orleans Saints. Advertisement The trade's aftermath was forgetful as Lattimore missed the next six games with a hamstring injury. Once he returned, he didn't make a positive first impression on his new fanbase. He played the last two regular-season games and Washington's impressive run to the NFC Championship Game. Most Commanders fans will remember his frequency to draw pass interference penalties and his fight with Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown more than anything else during that stretch. Now entering 2025 - where Washington will pay him a near top-of-the-market $18 million - the Commanders must demand that Lattimore returns to his Pro Bowl ways to give the team any shot at living up to their Super Bowl expectations. Washington beefed up the interior adding Javon Kinlaw and Deatrich Wise after Eagles running back Saquon Barkley walked all over the Commanders' defense last season. If Lattimore continues to struggle, however, the defense will remain a liability. Advertisement Lattimore should have the opportunity to play opposite of promising rookie Trey Amos, who brings good size for this run-stopping agenda. A more motivated Lattimore should help bring Amos along and spark some playmaking from the Washington secondary. Lattimore hasn't reached 50 tackles in a season since his fourth and latest Pro Bowl selection in 2021. The Commanders are going to need to see that version of their high-priced corner in 2025 if he stays healthy. The Commanders paid a lot for Lattimore, and all signs currently show that the confidence in him hasn't wavered. Maybe a full season of good health in the nation's capital will be a turning point that gets his play back to the level we're accustomed to. Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon says Lattimore is Washington's "most overpaid player". Advertisement It took a lot to get him, and his contract will cost a lot to keep him over the next two years. If he rises to the occasion, the Commanders will deem the success of their investment on his performance. Not just throughout the regular season, but when it matters in the playoffs, too. After a slow start to his Commanders career, Lattimore has a lot to prove in confirming that his trade was worthwhile. Related: Could Commanders' Jayden Daniels' 'Wild Trajectory' Lead To MVP In 2025? Related: Commanders 'Most-Fascinating' Receivers Ranking Has One Major Question Mark This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders Urged to Sign Three-Time Pro Bowler to Add To Dan Quinn's Defense
Commanders Urged to Sign Three-Time Pro Bowler to Add To Dan Quinn's Defense originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders' offense will be plenty equipped to make them contenders again in the NFC this season, but the defense - especially the pass rush - leaves a lot to be desired ... especially in an NFC East division where elite defensive lines are the norm. Advertisement Washington added solid defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, but the edge rusher group is slim after losing a double-digit sack total in Dante Fowler Jr. after he jumped to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell are the current starting defensive ends. Although we are deep into the offseason, there are still multiple veteran defenders still seeking a new contract that could be an upgrade on the edge. Bleacher Report named the Commanders as a best landing spot for one of them: Za'Darius Smith of the Detroit Lions. "For the last decade, all Za'Darius Smith has done is be a productive pass-rusher with five different teams," Matt Holder said. "He's racked up 69 career sacks in 140 games, including nine with the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions in 2024." Advertisement Washington had the third-best pass defense last season, but that's expected to drop with the loss of its sack leader. The Commanders also got torched on the ground to the tune of 137.5 opponent rushing yards per game - third-worst in the NFL in 2024. Kinlaw will be a help here, but the Commanders should still be in search of someone who can fortify the edge in both the run and pass games. Smith's pedigree in stopping the run isn't great, but his addition could add depth and high-level experience along with his impressive sack totals. " ... The soon-to-be 33-year-old has never been known as a stout run defender and is getting up there in age, likely pushing him into a pass-rush specialist role moving forward," Holder added. "But a team that's in the market for a veteran who can contribute on third downs should at least kick the tires on the three-time Pro Bowler." Advertisement Holder also mentioned how the Commanders are in an advantageous point in their current history with franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels sitting on an inexpensive rookie contract for the next three seasons. It will be crucial to build around him with veteran pieces while they have the funds to do so, in what Holder says is a "push for a Lombardi Trophy". Washington is hovering around the middle of the pack with just over $20 million in cap space this offseason, but it's worth noting that a contract extension could still be in the works for disgruntled receiver Terry McLaurin, who has already held out of the Commanders' offseason programming. At the right price, Smith would be a valuable addition that strengthens what might be the worst defensive line in the division. Advertisement Related: Jayden Daniels' Commanders' Protection Still A Question Mark Ahead Of Training Camp Related: NFC East Hopes One Stat Dooms Commanders As 'Dumpster Fire' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
