Should Washington Be Aggressive?

February 28, 2025

by David Earl

Pivotal Offseason Ahead

The high of the 2024 season and Jayden Daniels‘ rookie campaign have worn off for most, and the offseason should be fascinating. Any sensible fan understands that the 2024 roster without Daniels would have barely competed for a wildcard playoff position last season. I believe it was barely a 7-win team. It was remarkable that a rookie quarterback with mainly journeymen wide receivers after Terry McLaurin plus a one-dimensional running game behind an average-at-best offensive line resulted in a trip into the NFC Championship game. For as impressive as that was, the realization heading into Daniels’ second season is that there will be some level of regression is expected. Daniels showed me far more in composure, and mental make-up, and ability to adapt, in order to keep a C.J. Stroud type regression from happening. In my opinion, any regression will be little and Daniels will overcome with a little issue.

I know you may feel Daniels’ performance during his rookie campaign opens a window to win now while on his rookie contract, and that is not a terrible view. As we’ve seen, the quarterback position explodes in contract value, so there are real potential salary cap obstacles ahead once Daniels’ second contract is negotiated. I understand that Washington had some improbable wins on the back of Daniels, so the approach has to involve some caution and balance when considering moving draft assets plus making long term investments in free agents. Looking at some of their position of needs, let’s break down one possible approach as the team heads into free agency and the NFL draft.

Edge Rusher: The defense had a 7.58% sack percentage and averaged 2.4 sacks per game, ranked 8th and 17th respectively. Washington certainly generated pressure all season, but they lacked a consistent impact rusher off the edge – their top pass rusher was 30 year old Dante Fowler Jr, who finished 12th in the league with 10.5 sacks. While the idea of trading for an edge rusher like Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns is very intriguing, keep in mind that the top 10 sack leaders never made it into their respective conference championship games. This shouldn’t deter them from making a splash move here. This must be a decision made based on just how such an acquisition will have a positive effect across the defense. Will the player added not only boost the pass rush, but will he contribute towards the run defense and not be a liability? That will have to be a major point of reference because the pass rush was not nearly biggest the issue last season. The team’s league-worst run defense cannot have a repeat occurrence. Here are some potential moves.

• Trade for Myles Garrett: In probably the most obvious statement you will read today, Myles Garrett is one of the most dominant defenders in the game. What separates him from many in his tier is just how good he has been against the run. He’s known for his consistency and discipline, and he’s considered one of the most disruptive players in football. This would limit the impact players selected in the 2025 draft, as the Browns will most likely require a first round pick and a day 2 selection as well, but Garrett fills a major need in the run defense while impacting the pass game better than anyone in the league. The idea of moving Jonathan Allen in a deal for Garrett is wishful thinking in my opinion as the Browns will look for assets to get younger. A trade for Garrett will come with a newly renegotiated contract averaging approximately $34 million average annual salary according to Spotrac.
  

• Free Agent Josh Sweat: Sweat compiled 8 sacks, 37 quarterback hurries and 54 total pressures for the Philadelphia Eagles. Sweat finished the season dominantly as he amassed 6 total tackles, including 2 for loss, 3 quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl. Sweat would be nearly half the annual average salary of Myles Garrett at $18 million while being 2 years younger and solid against the run. This would allow Washington to not only improve the defensive front but also keep vital assets to continue building this roster for the future around Jayden Daniels.

Running Game: Washington lacks an explosive running game and their offensive line certainly needs an upgrade as well. Brian Robinson Jr. is a solid complementary piece as a short yard and goal line runner but does not offer explosive play ability. It will be imperative for Washington to find their Jahmyr Gibbs type of three-down runner who is a threat in open space as a receiver out of the backfield. While I sense Adam Peters appears comfortable with the offensive line, I cannot imagine him not at least considering a pricey investment in free agency.

• Free Agent OT Ronnie Stayley: While there is some injury history here, Stayley would immediately be Washington’s best offensive tackle, even at age 30. When healthy, he is regarded as one of the best at his position in the NFL. He is particularly known for his strong pass protection, which is vital for second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. This signing would help two-fold as they could then move promising rookie Brandon Coleman either to right tackle or inside at the guard position as that may be his more natural position. Stayley’s average annual salary would be approximately $20 million.
• The Draft: While there are interesting names in free agency, such as Javonte Williams and J.K. Dobbins, there just is not a name that stands out as an explosive runner. There are options through the draft; the biggest names I would focus on are Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton. Jeanty would probably cost far too much in a trade up since e is projected to be a top 10 pick but this would be that home run selection. Hampton could be the more sensible trade up option, as he looks to be selected mid round and possibly around pick 22. He offers elite burst, runs with great leverage, and is a very good receiver plus an excellent pass protector. These are the two running backs that are very much worth moving draft assets as their impact on this offense will potentially be what Jahmyr Gibbs is for the Detroit Lions.

Wide Receivers: The popular move here for fans is to trade multiple draft assets for Cincinnati Bengals Tee Higgins and the New York Jets Garrett Wilson. While it would provide a great boost to this offense, both will cost a lot of draft capital and somewhere north of a $30 million per year average annual salary. I may be on an island here but, seeing how well Jayden Daniels worked out with last season’s receiving group, I think the team should bring back Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus and instead add through the draft. They could use a day 3 selection in 2025 and a 2026 conditional day 3 pick for Cooper Kupp. He still has plenty left to offer as a secondary option behind Terry McLaurin and they could rework his high cap number by negotiating his $29 million 2025 salary. I just don’t see a need to use too many assets here through day 1 draft assets and a high salary number when there are far more pressing issues on this roster. Washington could realistically wait another offseason to get aggressive at this position group since Daniels does a great job elevating his wide receivers.