Free Agency 2022 Preview: Defensive Line
The most disappointing unit of Washington’s 2021 team was undoubtedly their defensive line. Excluding Jonathan Allen, who had an All-Pro caliber season, the defensive line could not find their groove, whether through their inability to work together or not being able to get in sync with Washington’s coaches. It was all bad. Defensive end’s Montez Sweat and Chase Young wanted to break the sack record this past season, which Vikings’ defensive lineman Chris Doleman and Keith Millard set with 39 sacks by a duo. Instead, Washington’s defense accumulated 38 total sacks on the year; Sweat and Young combined for six and a half.
With free agency approaching, one glaring take away from the defensive line’s lack of production is that Washington lacks a veteran presence behind Sweat and Young. Although Ryan Kerrigan was not very productive in 2020, he was still a trusted veteran who could step in for a few snaps per game. Let’s look at the pending free agent for Washington and the available free agents that Washington should take a look into.
WFT pending Free Agent
Tim Settle is a 24 year old defensive tackle set to hit free agency this March. With the depth that Washington has at that position with Matthew Ioannidis, Daron Payne, and Jonathan Allen, Settle will be looking for an opportunity to get him out of the shadows of the people ahead of him. Settle is talented, and the issue that he faces in Washington is that re-signing here would not allow him opportunities to maximize his financial potential. Therefore, I expect Settle to find a home not named Washington when he begins fielding offers.
Potential Free Agent Targets for Washington
Derek Barnett is a 25 year old defensive end, currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. The 2017 first round pick posted two sacks in 16 games for the Eagles and has just 21.5 sacks in five seasons. Barnett, who had an underwhelming start to the season, can benefit from a reserve role that emphasizes a constant rotation on the defensive line. Washington provides that opportunity for Barnett to maximize his pass rush reps and enable him to cash in the next time he hits the market.
William Gholston is a 30 year old defensive end, currently playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A fourth round pick in 2013, Gholston has been a Buccaneer his entire career and has accumulated 19.5 sacks in that time span. However, as those close to the team would describe it, Gholston is a late bloomer who faced several coaching issues that hindered his development during his time in Tampa. Gholston had Greg Schiano as a coach in his rookie year, then had the Lovie Smith and Leslie Frazier duo for two years, then Mike Smith took over the defense before Todd Bowles arrived for the 2019 season. He’ll have opportunities to start somewhere, but Washington will have a chance to persuade Gholston to be an effective rusher in the rotation if they want a veteran presence with a championship mindset.
DaQuan Jones is a 30 year old defensive tackle currently playing for the Carolina Panthers. Jones, drafted in the fourth round by the Tennessee Titans, played one year in Carolina. The 320 pound lineman would be a space-eater, spending much of his time in between the guard and center, which should allow Washington to be more effective in their stunts and twist on passing plays or as run defenders. In addition, Jones would be a cost-efficient option for a team that needs to bolster up the front seven.
Justin Ellis is a 31 year old defensive tackle currently playing for the Baltimore Ravens. Like Jones, Ellis is a 350 pound interior defensive lineman who takes up space and creates lanes for the linebackers or edge rushers to make plays. Ellis has played well for Baltimore and has carved out a role in which other teams would love to feature him for their defense.
Best option
The defensive line needs to reacquire a disciplined and cohesive nature for Washington. But, again, it comes from players with experience. In the short term, the best option for Washington would be William Gholston or Justin Ellis, both of whom play two different positions. Washington has depth at defensive end already in James Smith-Williams and Shaka Toney. However, that should not stop the team from finding a veteran who can mentor and educate the young edge rushers while also providing a high level of awareness on the field provided by years of experience and good coaching.