The Washington Commanders needed to make adjustments to their defense during the 2025 offseason, specifically the defensive line. To that end, Adam Peters signed some veterans during free agency. After letting Dante Fowler Jr. and Jonathan Allen go, Clelin Ferrell was re-signed, Javon Kinlaw was signed, and Deatrich Wise was brought in. While the signings aged the roster, it also solidified the defensive line.

Previously, I sat down with Deatrich Wise to discuss what he brings to the team. After our conversation, I determined that he was poised to make an impact both on and off the field in 2025, and CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell agrees, saying that Wise could be an under-the-radar player who makes a surprising impact in 2025.

A year ago, Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn coaxed a team-high 10.5 sacks out of edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr., but he left to return to the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Washington opted to replace his production with nine-year veteran Deatrich Wise Jr. after signing the 30-year-old to a one-year, $3.25 million contract. Wise was never a star in his eight seasons with the New England Patriots, but his production has remained steady with 17 sacks across the last three seasons.

The Commanders defensive front is loaded with talent up the middle with Pro Bowler Daron Payne, former first-round pick Javon Kinlaw and 2024 second-round pick Jer’Zhan Newton at the defensive tackle position. Playing alongside those three defensive tackles could help Wise make a little bit of a leap in his early 30s.

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Commanders fans were not happy about losing Allen and Fowler, but they will realize that change is how we move forward. Allen wore burgundy and gold his entire career, so seeing him go brings up sentimental feelings. But sometimes parting ways is what’s best for both parties. And letting those two go allowed for Wise and the rest to come in and change the dynamic.

Wise has a keen sense for where the ball is going to be and can line up anywhere on the line. His impact will certainly be felt from the moment the Commanders and New York Giants kick off on September 7.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders’ Deatrich Wise named an under-the-radar player to watch