The Washington Commanders are expected to be very active when free agency begins next month. The Commanders need a lot of help, specifically on a defense that was among the NFL's worst in several categories in 2025. Washington has a new defensive coordinator, Daronte Jones, who comes to the Commanders from the Minnesota Vikings, where he worked under Brian Flores for the past three seasons.
The Commanders could use starters at every level of their defense. For now, no one knows what scheme Jones will run. Jones doesn't think that's important: "It's not how they line up, it's how they wind up," he said when asked about the scheme at his introductory press conference.
Regardless of scheme, Washington needs pass rushers. It's a good year to need pass-rush help, as it's expected to be a solid free-agent class. Other productive pass rushers could be cut, too, giving the Commanders more potential options.
You could add Green Bay Packers EDGE Rashan Gary to that list. He's due to count $28 million against Green Bay's salary cap in 2026. That's a lot for someone who has never recorded 10 sacks in a season. Gary is consistent, though, recording 7.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons, and has 46.5 in his seven-year NFL career.
The 6-foot-5, 277-pound Gary would also give Washington size on the edge. He is a solid pass rusher and plus run defender. According to Pro Football Focus, Gary had a 71.8 run defense grade in 2025. His pass-rush grade was 68.2. So, while the Packers may think that's a lot of money for less-than-elite production, the Commanders could get Gary at a lower number and would be thrilled with that output.
If the Packers move on from Gary — a big if — he should be signed as a complementary pass rusher, not as the primary edge rusher. He is still young (28) and durable, having only missed significant time in one of his seven NFL seasons.
When asked if he thought Gary could be released or traded this offseason, Matt Schneidman, who covers the Packers for The Athletic, wrote the following: "I would be surprised if Gary is on the team next season." Green Bay would save around $11 million if it moves on from Gary and has former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness, who could see an advanced role in 2026.
It's unknown if the Packers are truly considering moving on from Gary, but if they do, he would be another legitimate option for the Commanders.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Packers' EDGE a potential option if released