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What did the signing of defensive tackle Tim Settle reveal concerning the Washington Commanders' defensive line?
Well, the first thing that is clear is that we don't know the scheme the Commanders are utilizing next season. They have not only hired a new defensive coordinator (Daronte Jones), but might be changing their overall scheme. A difficulty with such a move is how much change a GM can make to the roster in one offseason.
It's not easy, but GM Adam Peters has charged ahead, working hard to make several personnel changes as quickly as he could. For instance, the signing of defensive tackle Tim Settle. What does this mean for defensive tackles like Daron Payne and Johnny Newton? When Settle was asked what had been communicated about this role for 2026, he mentioned he was here to cause chaos "in the middle." Did Settle let the cat out of the bag? Is Settle now a 3-4 nose tackle for the Commanders? Or was he simply referring to his playing a 4-3 DT?
What does this mean for Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne? Are they now ends in a 3-4? Ends in a 3-4 are bigger, heavier, playing heads up over an offensive tackle. In a 4-3 ends play on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle and are quicker and lighter.
But immediately my mind then went to, "What about 2024 second-round pick Johnny Newton? Is Newton going to be backing up Kinlaw and Payne as a 3-4 DE? Interestingly enough, Payne and Kinlaw are both heavier than Settle. Settle is listed at only 308, while Kinlaw is listed at 319 and Payne at 320. In addition, many NFL nose tackles are much heavier.
Newton (295) has gotten pushed around playing inside in a 4-3. No question, Peters and head coach Dan Quinn are disappointed in Newton's run defense. So, the 3-4 would result in Newton moving further outside from the ball, playing over the offensive tackle. With Daron Payne's contract ending after 2026, perhaps Peters' plan is for Newton to simply replace Payne in 2027?
The Commanders can't simply rely on Settle to play the nose in 2026; they are going to need to get someone bigger to add to the rotation. But for now, perhaps the signing of Settle means he actually plays more than Newton in 2026? Certainly not what Peters imagined when he saw Newton on the board at No. 36 overall in the 2024 draft when he selected him.
Looking at the roster actually produces more questions than answers. That's because the personnel listed are not clearly for a 3-4 or 4-3. It's quite mixed. Here's a quick look at who the Commanders currently list as their defensive tackles and defensive ends as of March 15, 2026. But keep in mind, this is all in a state of flux.
So, as you can see, there are more questions than answers at this point regarding style of defense and even more, which guys will actually make the roster to play that style.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Free agency moves lead to questions
Continue reading...
Well, the first thing that is clear is that we don't know the scheme the Commanders are utilizing next season. They have not only hired a new defensive coordinator (Daronte Jones), but might be changing their overall scheme. A difficulty with such a move is how much change a GM can make to the roster in one offseason.
It's not easy, but GM Adam Peters has charged ahead, working hard to make several personnel changes as quickly as he could. For instance, the signing of defensive tackle Tim Settle. What does this mean for defensive tackles like Daron Payne and Johnny Newton? When Settle was asked what had been communicated about this role for 2026, he mentioned he was here to cause chaos "in the middle." Did Settle let the cat out of the bag? Is Settle now a 3-4 nose tackle for the Commanders? Or was he simply referring to his playing a 4-3 DT?
What does this mean for Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne? Are they now ends in a 3-4? Ends in a 3-4 are bigger, heavier, playing heads up over an offensive tackle. In a 4-3 ends play on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle and are quicker and lighter.
But immediately my mind then went to, "What about 2024 second-round pick Johnny Newton? Is Newton going to be backing up Kinlaw and Payne as a 3-4 DE? Interestingly enough, Payne and Kinlaw are both heavier than Settle. Settle is listed at only 308, while Kinlaw is listed at 319 and Payne at 320. In addition, many NFL nose tackles are much heavier.
Newton (295) has gotten pushed around playing inside in a 4-3. No question, Peters and head coach Dan Quinn are disappointed in Newton's run defense. So, the 3-4 would result in Newton moving further outside from the ball, playing over the offensive tackle. With Daron Payne's contract ending after 2026, perhaps Peters' plan is for Newton to simply replace Payne in 2027?
The Commanders can't simply rely on Settle to play the nose in 2026; they are going to need to get someone bigger to add to the rotation. But for now, perhaps the signing of Settle means he actually plays more than Newton in 2026? Certainly not what Peters imagined when he saw Newton on the board at No. 36 overall in the 2024 draft when he selected him.
Looking at the roster actually produces more questions than answers. That's because the personnel listed are not clearly for a 3-4 or 4-3. It's quite mixed. Here's a quick look at who the Commanders currently list as their defensive tackles and defensive ends as of March 15, 2026. But keep in mind, this is all in a state of flux.
Commanders Defensive Tackles
- Ricky Barber: 6-3, 295
- Javon Kinlaw: 6-5, 319
- Johnny Newton: 6-2, 295
- Daron Payne: 6-3, 320
- Tim Settle: 6-3, 308
- Shy Tuttle: 6-3, 300
Commanders defensive ends/EDGEs
- Dorance Armstrong: 6-4, 255
- Andre Carter: 6-4, 265
- K'Lavon Chaisson: 6-3, 254
- Drake Jackson: 6-4, 273
- Javontae Jean-Baptiste: 6-4, 260
- T.J. Maguranyanga: 6-4, 222
- Charles Omenihu: 6-5, 280
- Deatrich Wise Jr: 6-5, 280
So, as you can see, there are more questions than answers at this point regarding style of defense and even more, which guys will actually make the roster to play that style.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Free agency moves lead to questions
Continue reading...
