![\"D.J.](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2172218964-e1775078654113.jpg\")
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The Washington Commanders are “planning” a new defense after signing veteran defensive tackle D.J. Davidson.<\/p>\n
Adding veteran defensive tackle D.J. Davidson<\/a> looked like a low-key, pre-draft move in 2026 NFL<\/a> free agency, but the arrival of the former New York Giants<\/a> interior D-lineman actually brings the Washington Commanders<\/a> one step closer to unveiling a new defensive front this season.<\/p>\n Davidson officially moved between NFC East rivals<\/a> on Tuesday, March 31. He\u2019s joining a position group already fortified by the return to Washington<\/a> of a $25.5 million-rated run-stopper, but Davidson is no mere depth player.<\/p>\n Not according to \u201cLocked On Commanders\u201d podcast host David Harrison<\/a>. He revealed \u201ca source indicates the team is planning on running some defensive sets with three bigs so adding more depth in that area was a big reason for the signing. Davidson has nose\/DT flex and imagining him playing alongside Tim Settle<\/a> is attractive.\u201d<\/p>\n On the Commanders signing DT D.J. Davidson, a source indicates the team is planning on running some defensive sets with three bigs so adding more depth in that area was a big reason for the signing.<\/p>\n Davidson has nose\/DT flex and imagining him playing alongside Tim Settle is<\/p>\n Putting a trio of big-bodied defensive tackles onto the field makes sense for the Commanders on two levels.<\/p>\n D.J. Davidson Can Help Fix Commanders Core Weakness<\/p>\n Stopping the run has been the central failing of Washington\u2019s defense in recent seasons. The problem persisted in 2025, when the Commanders allowed a gaudy 4.8 yards per carry<\/a>.<\/p>\n One of the quickest ways to shore up a soft run defense is to put some extra beef along the line of scrimmage. Hulking defensive tackles able to fill running lanes and occupy double teams to free edge-setters, linebackers and safeties to have clear paths to ball-carriers.<\/p>\n Davidson and Settle are ideal fits for this approach as a pair of 300-plus pounders who know how to play low, win the leverage battles and push the pile. Putting this duo alongside any one of primary defensive tackles Daron Payne<\/a>, Javon Kinlaw<\/a> or Jer\u2019Zhan \u2018Johnny\u2019 Newton<\/a>, would give new Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones a go-to personnel grouping for shutting down the run.<\/p>\n Jones was hired to add more versatility to what the Commanders show offenses, but his first task will be establishing a strong enough base for an improving unit.<\/p>\n Daronte Jones Has the Personnel He Needs Up Front<\/p>\n Building the right base will mean Jones being able to rely on 3-4 looks. There are enough big space-eaters to make this front work after Davidson\u2019s arrival, but there\u2019s still room for nuance.<\/p>\n The changeups can be provided by a couple of other linemen on the depth chart. Specifically, flexible ends Deatrich Wise Jr.<\/a> and Drake Jackson<\/a>.<\/p>\n Like Davidson, the new deal for Wise<\/a> and the return of Jackson<\/a> didn\u2019t move the needle much in free agency. Yet, both moves were more significant than they appeared.<\/p>\n The significance comes from Wise and Jackson both being able to play on the edge or slide inside. They are bigger edge-setters in the 270 to 280-pound range, so having one or both bracket what Harrison called \u201cthree bigs\u201d in the middle, would make the Commanders\u2019 front seven a no-go area for running backs.<\/p>\n There is an obvious emphasis on putting more bulk along the line of scrimmage on Jones\u2019 watch. It\u2019s why the Commanders signed Davidson to be part of a long overdue commitment to solving what\u2019s been the underlying flaw of their defense.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tJames Dudko<\/a> covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for Heavy.com. He has covered the NFL and world soccer since 2011, with bylines at FanSided, Prime Time Sports Talk and Bleacher Report before joining Heavy in 2021. More about James Dudko<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Commanders\n\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Getty The Washington Commanders are “planning” a new defense after signing veteran defensive tackle D.J. Davidson. 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