The Washington Commanders defense is looking to kickstart a massive turnaround with newly hired head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Last season, the Commanders' defense allowed 388.9 yards per game, which was the highest mark in the league. In addition, they surrendered the most passing yards per game at a 262.2 mark but were slightly better in the run game, allowing 126.8 yards per game, which was the sixth-highest mark. Quinn looks to launch a culture change in the nation's capital, which was evident in bringing in veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner to lead the charge during free agency. In addition, the Commanders brought in defensive back Michael Davis to ease playing time on 2023 first-round selection Emmanuel Forbes Jr., who struggled in his first pro campaign. Their defensive line is once again led by Pro-Bowlers Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, who should play a significant role in stopping the run and bringing some added pass rush to the opposing team. Fantasy managers should not look to stream the Washington defense this weekend as they continue to turn things around. Facing two strong Tampa Bay receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, is not an easy task for a rebuilding group, so perhaps this week is a wait-and-see approach for this unit.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (foot) passed his physical this week and is being activated from the non-football injury list. The No. 36 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft underwent surgery in May to fix a Jones Fracture in his left foot, just four months after undergoing the same surgery on his right foot. The Illinois alum could be brought along slowly in his rookie season, especially since Washington has Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen operating in the interior of Dan Quinn's defense.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has two years left on a four-year, $72 million contract extension he signed in 2021. However, the remaining seasons include zero guaranteed dollars. There's a potentially incompatible $23 million salary cap hit in 2025, with only $6 million in dead cap. Washington drafted defensive tackle Johnny Newton in the second round this year, meaning there's a potential Allen replacement on the roster should another extension or restructure not be in the cards before the 2025 season. A knee injury kept Allen from playing in the season finale last year, but the 29-year-old took part in OTAs this offseason and should be ready for Week 1 this fall. The former 17th overall pick in 2017 out of Alabama dipped to 5.5 sacks in 2023 after recording 16.5 sacks the two previous seasons.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (knee) has been participating in the team's organized team activities this spring and has been extremely happy with the team's new regime change in the front office and on the sidelines. Allen said months ago that he didn't want to be part of another rebuild, but the long-time defensive captain is thrilled with how things are unfolding under new general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. Following Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2022, Allen had 53 tackles (30 solo), 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 19 QB hits in 16 starts. The 29-year-old former 17th overall pick in 2017 out of Alabama has no more guaranteed money left on his deal, which has two years remaining. It's unclear how Allen's role on defense might change in 2024 under Quinn.

From RotoBaller

The Washington Commanders took Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton on Day 2 of this year's NFL draft, giving the team three talented tackles in Newton and Pro Bowlers Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. A few league executives are now wondering if Washington will ever consider trade offers for Allen, who is due $15.4 million in 2024 and $16.5 million next year, both figures below market for high-end tackles. Sources believe the Commanders will either need to rework Allen's contract eventually or decide whether they will entertain trade offers, which they have so far rebuffed in the past. For now, head coach Dan Quinn can concoct a plan to get all three defensive tackles on the field. The 29-year-old Allen finished last year with 53 tackles (30 solo), 5.5 sacks and a pass defended in 16 games. Because of his struggles last year defending the run, perhaps he's moved outside more after the addition of Newton.

From RotoBaller