The Washington Commanders are expected to be aggressive this offseason to improve the team's defense and take advantage of quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract window, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano.

"Expect the Commanders to be aggressive this offseason in pursuing roster upgrades on defense," Graziano began.

"Much like the Texans last year after C.J. Stroud's dazzling rookie season, Washington believes it has something special in quarterback Jayden Daniels and wants to maximize his rookie-contract window. Getting to the NFC Championship Game in Daniels' first year only makes Washington more likely to get aggressive for someone like Garrett if and when Cleveland decides to move him.

"Washington needs a lot of work on defense, and don't be surprised to see the team stretch for an impact player or two in the coming months. The Commanders were 19th in defensive EPA this season."

The Commanders tripled their win total from four to 12 this season, reaching the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991. So it makes sense for general manager Adam Peters to go for it with the team coming just one win away from reaching a Super Bowl.

The Commanders made vast improvements on defense from 2023 to 2024. In 2023, Washington finished last in scoring defense, but the team improved to 16th in 2024.

The Commanders also made huge plays on that side of the ball, perhaps never more than the NFC Divisional round, when the team forced five turnovers in a 45-31 win over the Detroit Lions.

Washington can make further strides on that side of the ball, though, as evidenced by the team's 55-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.

The Commanders have room to strike here, however. The team is third in effective cap space for the 2025 season at $68,860,182, per Over the Cap. And one of the best defensive players in the game, Cleveland Browns edge-rusher Myles Garrett, just made a public trade request.

At the very least, Washington has options. Based on last season's results and Daniels' tremendous rookie campaign, there's a clear window here for the Commanders to compete for the Super Bowl. With some improvements on the defense end, an NFC title certainly isn't out of the question in the near-term future.