Getty Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner in 2021.
Dan Quinn‘s hiring as head coach of the Washington Commanders signaled the beginning of a new era of football in Washington, and several soon-to-be free agents with whom Quinn has previous ties could have the potential to join him in 2024.
Several stars — including defensive ends Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler and linebacker Bobby Wagner – top the list of intriguing names with connections to Quinn, who was hired in early February 2024 after three seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys.
Heading into free agency in March, the Commanders have the most salary cap space ($83 million) of any team in the league and players love Quinn as a coach, according to Commanders.com’s Zach Selby, opening the door to several possibilities.
Dorance Armstrong Could Set the Edge in Washington
Armstrong, who played under Quinn for three years in Dallas, figures to be entering his prime at age 27 after two seasons with a combined 16 sacks.
“Quinn would no doubt love to have him in Washington,” according to Sports Illustrated’s Timm Hamm in a February 8 story. “The Commanders traded both Chase Young and Montez Sweat at the trade deadline last season, leaving their pass rush corps thin. Armstrong could be a good addition to help bolster that part of the defense.”
Commanders defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne will undoubtedly be one of the best interior line duos Quinn has ever coach. The idea of adding Armstrong to the mix makes for a strong case for a reunion because Quinn has historically stuck to a cover 3 look. With four defenders splitting the second level and three defensive backs left to defend the third, harassing a quarterback before he has time to take advantage of a thin back end is imperative.
Already, one of Quinn’s hires, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has praised the pair.
“Everything starts up front,” Whitt Jr. said, according to Sports Illustrated’s Isaiah Deanda Delgado. “I’m a believer of that, and that’s where we’re going. I’m glad we have those guys because that’s where it all starts.”
Pro Football Focus projects Armstrong commanding a deal in the neighborhood of $8.5 million per season for three seasons.
A Future Hall of Fame Linebacker
Wagner played under in 2013 and 2014, when Quinn was the defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks and an architect of the famed “Legion of Boom” squad.
Even though Wagner turns 34, he still ranks as the fifth best free agent linebacker, according to PFF.
Wagner, who picked second-team All Pro honors in 2023, is on record praising Quinn.
“He was amazing, man,” said Wagner, according to a 2019 AtlantaFalcons.com story by Will McFadden. “I loved working with him. Every second. He’s so smart.
“The way he approached the game, the way he prepared, it was inspiring. It made you want to watch more film and make sure you were doing your job, because you knew he was doing his work. He’s a great leader and a great person. Just a good dude to be around.”
While his projected contract numbers vary, PFF predicts Wagner to sign a one-year, $4 million contract.
A Reunion With a Former Third Overall Pick?
According to Sports Illustrated’s Hamm, any reunion between Quinn and a former players “starts with Dante Fowler.”
Fowler, the third overall pick in the 2015 draft, played under Quinn when he was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and in college at the University of Florida.
Quinn “brought Fowler to Dallas in 2022, and the pass rusher flourished in the defensive system with the Cowboys,” Hamm wrote. “In 34 games played over the last two seasons, Fowler registered 40 tackles with 30 solo and 12 for loss. He also registered 16 quarterback hits while playing in a rotational role.”
Fowler, 30, has a chance to rejoin Quinn in hopes of revitalizing a defense that ranked dead last in total defense in 2023.
Hamm also listed safety Jayron Kearse, 30, as another Cowboy who could join Quinn in D.C. He played only 580 defensive snaps in his first four years in Minnesota from 2016 to 2019. His 503 plays in his lone season in Detroit proved he could carry a larger workload. Then Kearse erupted under Quinn, never playing fewer than 800 snaps on defense in each of the past three seasons, including a career-high 1,012 plays in 2021.
His role calling the Dallas defense prompted the team to hand him a contract extension two seasons ago which is now set to expire at the start of the new league year. With free agency looming, having such a cerebral player helping to implement what Quinn wants to accomplish feels like an obvious connection that can be mutually beneficial.
Kearse is projected to land a modest deal somewhere in the neighborhood of $3 million to $4 million per season and could serve as a mentor on defense.