Commanders Weigh Bringing Back Veteran Defensive End

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Washington Commanders are considering whether to re-sign veteran defensive end Deatrich Wise for the 2026 season. While Wise is unlikely to return as a starter due to the team's need for more speed and pass-rushing ability on the defensive line, the Commanders may be open to bringing him back in a depth role after Wise missed the 2025 season with a serious quad injury.

Why it matters

The Commanders' defense struggled mightily in 2025, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key categories. Improving the pass rush will be a top priority this offseason, but the team may still see value in retaining Wise as an experienced rotational player if the price is right.

The details

Wise, 31, was expected to be a key part of the Commanders' defensive line in 2025 before suffering a season-ending quad injury in Week 2. With the team needing to get younger and more explosive on the edge, it's unlikely Wise would return as a starter. However, the Commanders could look to bring him back on an economical one-year deal to provide depth and veteran leadership behind younger pass-rushers like Jacob Martin, Dorance Armstrong, and Javontae Jean-Baptiste.

• Wise suffered a serious quad injury in Week 2 of the 2025 season, ending his year.
• The Commanders finished the 2025 season with the NFL's 31st-ranked defense in terms of net yards per passing play.

What’s next

The Commanders will need to decide in the coming weeks whether to re-sign Wise to a depth role or move on from the veteran defensive end as they look to overhaul their struggling pass rush.