The Washington Commanders have added depth along the defensive line after signing a former fifth round pick from the New York Giants
The Washington Commanders have added more depth in the trenches after the team announced the signing of former New York Giants defensive lineman DJ Davidson.
He joins the Commanders after spending all four seasons of his NFL career in New York, appearing in 47 games with four starts.
Davidson becomes the latest addition to the interior defensive line after the team previously announced the signing of Tim Settle to complete the reunion, one of two boomerangs for the Commanders in free agency. Washington also returns both Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw while head coach Dan Quinn pointed to Johnny Newton as one to watch ahead of his third season in the league.
Davidson, a former fifth round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, adds depth to the nose tackle rotation after becoming a rotational piece in New York over the last three years. His first career start came in week 12 of the 2023 season against the New England Patriots before starting again in week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles, finishing the season with 13 total tackles including six solo. Davidson also notched his first career sack in week three of the 2023 season against the San Francisco 49ers.
His best season came in 2024 when he notched 12 solo tackles and 23 total tackles while playing in 35% of the Giants' defensive staffs, while he drew at least 30% of snaps in all four seasons in New York. He notched two sacks in week five against the Seattle Seahawks, also proving to be his last sack after finishing the 2025 season without one.
Davidson was also placed on injured reserve in the final week of the 2025 regular season after suffering a neck injury and concussion, ending the year with nine total tackles and one pass deflection in 15 appearances.
Still, Davidson arrives bolstering the front seven with Settle offering versatility as either a nose or defensive tackle, while the Commanders moved quickly to address the edge rushers by signing Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu during the first week, signings that have helped address key positions as the Commanders look to generate more pressure consistently after a lackluster showing in 2025. Washington also re-signed several pieces in the trenches with Shy Tuttle, Deatrich Wise Jr and Drake Jackson with Dorance Armstrong also set to return as new defensive line coach Eric Henderson takes over the unit after being announced last month.