March 7, 2026, 6:45 a.m. ET
“I’m really glad and honored to be back in Washington, to do it again.”
That was how defensive end Deatrich Wise began his press conference with the media on Friday, expressing gratitude for being re-signed and given a second opportunity to play for the Commanders. You see, his first opportunity was quite short. He went down in the Week 2 loss to Green Bay on a Thursday night, the victim of a terrible quad injury. It resulted in surgery, and Wise was never able to return to the field during the 2025 season.
The rehab has been at times lonely and exhausting as Wise tries to put in the work but sometimes it can get awfully difficult, such as when Wise described the process as discouraging, seeing so much leg strength had been lost and needed to be regained.
“I’m looking forward to getting back out on the field with my teammates,” Wise said. “Whatever the defense is, I feel like I’ll be able to adapt. My main thing is getting back healthy, getting back out on the field, and staying on the field.”
It remains true that Daronte Jones, the new Commanders’ defensive coordinator, has intentionally not yet revealed his defensive scheme, whether Washington will be in a three- or four-man front.
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A few days ago, Wise heard back from the Commanders, telling the media, “It was an honor, hearing those words that they wanted me back.” So Wise is now signed and continues his rehab and work, wanting to be ready to go and contribute to the Commanders’ defense this season.
“I feel like I am doing really well. The journey was tough with ups and downs, good days and not so good of days. But it was something that taught me a lot during this process. Being present, being thankful for where I am now and how far I’ve come. Taking every day one step at a time, seeing the progressions because when you get hurt you tend to start over on some things. Sometimes that is the hardest part… starting all over.”
As for interaction with Jones? Wise said he had interacted to learn some of Jones’ past, his defensive philosophy in what Jones is bringing to the team. But he has not yet had any in-depth conversation with Jones.
Wise will turn 32 in July and appears to have his head on, being well-grounded. “Going through this injury and rehab process, Wise said he has learned he is more patient now and has learned he still has room to grow. “I have areas I still need to improve. It was a journey, it was a good journey where I learned a lot from myself and others around me, and it made me a better person.”
Experiencing such a major quad injury as he did in the 2025 season, Wise was pleasantly surprised by all of the support he received.
“I appreciate all the support from the team and the fans. This is a great city, a great fan base. They reached out to me, and that showed love. The warmth from the team, after being here for a short time, meant a lot to me.”