Washington Commanders defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. opens up about his recovery, re-signing for another season as he looks to become a key part of the defense under Daronte Jones.
After signing to a one year deal, defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. was ready to make an impact as a veteran leader along the Washington Commanders’ defensive line in 2025. But the plan and reality proved to be two different paths after Wise’s season was lost due to a season-ending quad injury suffered in the week two loss against the Green Bay Packers.
Now working to get back to full strength ahead of year two, Wise admitted there’s “unfinished business” ahead of 2026.
“I felt kind of sad because I got hurt and I feel I was leaving my team, leaving my guys that we worked hard together. And I wanted to do it with them, regardless of the outcome, doing it with that you started with, always means something,” Wise told local media after re-signing with the team.
Wise arrived in DC after eight seasons with the New England Patriots where he registered at least 4.5 sacks in five seasons. But he also arrived as a former Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee after the Patriots tabbed him as their pick in his final season with the organization, giving the defense a dependable veteran to lean on. With a talent overhaul expected on defense this offseason, Wise’s experience gives him a chance to maintain that leadership role during a critical offseason.
Wise added that “it was an honor” to have the chance to return to Washington for a second season where he’ll now be a piece in the puzzle that new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is working to put together.
“Whatever the defense is, I feel like I'll be able to adapt to it. Knowing culture and his background,” Wise said of Jones. “I feel like I'm very familiar with his defense. So my main thing is just getting back healthy, getting ready, getting back on the field and stay on the field.”
Wise became one of eight players to eventually re-sign with the Commanders ahead of free agency, adding key depth at premium positions for the front office. But Wise pointed to head coach Dan Quinn as a big reason why he and several others opted to return.
“Big brotherhood team. I really believe you cannot lead people without knowing them. And that's one thing that DQ preaches every single day,” Wise added.
“It's all about brotherhood, all about knowing his guys. And then on top of that, he takes care of the players.”
First, Wise will get back to full strength after rehabbing over the last six months.
“I just want to be able to continue healing, continue working out, continue rehabbing, getting stronger, getting the passer and being 100% so I can get back on the field. I'm able to help the team win.“
Wise also knows he’s around the right people in order to get back to full strength as he looks to become the impact piece in the Commanders rotation that many expected him to be.
“Being around family, being around these guys, it kind of helped the process along pretty smoothly.”