Commanders Swing Big in Free Agency, Land DeMarcus Lawrence

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Commanders are making headlines in the offseason, officially signing veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence to a lucrative one-year deal worth $11.8 million in salary with an additional $12.8 million in bonuses. The Commanders are betting big that the former Dallas Cowboy can help turn around a defense that struggled in a rough 3-14 campaign last season.

For Washington, the move signifies a clear push to bring leadership and talent to a defensive unit that allowed a staggering 516 points in the previous season—second-worst in the NFC. The team finished at the bottom of the NFC East, a division dominated by the Eagles’ 9-8 record and the ever-competitive Cowboys. Despite Dallas finishing 7-10 and missing the playoffs, Lawrence was a standout performer, providing a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent season.

A New Chapter for Lawrence

DeMarcus Lawrence joins the Commanders after spending Season 30 with the Cowboys, where he posted another solid season. Over 17 games, he logged 52 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Even as Dallas struggled, his play demonstrated that he remains a force on the edge, both in disrupting opposing quarterbacks and solidifying run defense. At 32 years old, Lawrence brings not only production but invaluable experience to a Commanders team desperately needing an identity on defense.

“I’m excited to bring my talents to Washington and help this team compete,” Lawrence shared in a statement. “I’ve played against this franchise for years, and I know what this city is capable of when it comes to football. Time to get to work.”

A Glimmer of Hope for Washington

The Commanders’ defense lacked a true identity last season, finishing last in the NFC East and allowing the third-most points in the entire league. With their 3-14 record, Washington was far from playoff contention. Yet, with the addition of Lawrence, there’s optimism that the team can begin to stabilize under coach Ron Rivera, assuming he sticks with his system for another year.

Pairing Lawrence with young talent along the defensive line could create immediate dividends. The Commanders are aiming to rekindle the form that once made them a feared defensive unit. Lawrence’s ability to set the tone as a leader may be exactly what this roster needs to shift the culture in D.C.

The NFC East Landscape

The NFC East was a rollercoaster in Season 30, with every team falling below the .600 mark. The Eagles eked out a divisional crown with a 9-8 record, but both the Cowboys (7-10) and the Giants (6-11) fought tooth and nail to stay competitive in a chaotic race. Unfortunately, Washington brought up the rear, going 1-5 in divisional play and suffering repeated blowout losses.

It’s clear the Commanders are playing catch-up, but signing a marquee name like Lawrence shows they’re serious about closing the gap with their divisional rivals.

A Tough Climb Ahead

Washington faces a steep climb in 2024, but with Lawrence now anchoring the defensive front, the team has reason to hope. “We know the challenges ahead,” said Rivera. “DeMarcus is the kind of player who elevates everyone around him. We’re thrilled to have him on board.”

Fans in D.C. are hoping this is just the beginning of a more aggressive approach to rebuilding the roster. With the draft and additional free agency moves still to come, the Commanders could very well position themselves for a bounce-back season.

Up Next for Washington

As the Commanders gear up for training camp, all eyes will be on how Lawrence fits into the defensive system. The team also has major decisions to make at other positions, including quarterback and secondary help. With the NFC East as unpredictable as ever, even incremental improvements could put Washington back in the mix. For now, they’ve made one thing clear: they’re not content with sitting at the bottom any longer.

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