Commanders should pass on Calais Campbell and lean into youth on defense

The piece argues Washington should not sign aging defensive end Calais Campbell, citing his 40th birthday in 2026 and a one-year near-$11M deal as a repeat of Adam Peters’ prior veteran-signing misstep. It contends the team’s goal is to get younger and develop a core around players like Javon Kinlaw and others, rather than delaying growth with veteran additions. It suggests targeting rising defenders such as Boye Mafe or Odafe Oweh who fit a 3-4 scheme and offer longer-term upside, rather than investing in an aging, high-cost veteran.