Six-year veteran defensive end Dorance Armstrong signed a new contract with the Washington Commanders. Armstrong, a former fourth-round pick, spent the entirety of his career with the Dallas Cowboys.
The #Commanders are signing former #Cowboys edge Dorance Armstrong to a 3-year deal worth $45M max value, source said. Another Dan Quinn favorite.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
Dorance Armstrong, Washington Commanders, Agree To Contract
Defensive end Dorance Armstrong had one of the best years in his contract year posting 7.5 sacks last season despite playing fewer snaps. He had 8.5 sacks in 2022 but had more playing time during that year. Armstrong finished 2022 with 16 quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss. However, his 2023 season campaign comes to a close with 12 solo tackles and 13 assists.
Despite Washington ending with one of the worst defenses, Armstrong had a PFF grade of 64.0 in pass-rush and a 57.4 run-defense grade. Dorance Armstrong originally entered the league as a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Selected by the Dallas Cowboys, the Kansas product had just 2.5 sacks throughout his first three seasons. Armstrong was struggling to surpass the 20 pressures in two of those seasons until moving to a role as a rotational rusher.
He now finishes his 2023 season as the next-best pass rusher on the roster next to Micah Parsons. Armstrong had a few injuries this past season which held him back from competing in some games. However, when healthy, he was able to accumulate over 169 total tackles and 23.5 sacks in his playing career. Armstrong also had three fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown.
It wasn’t enough for the Kansas product as the Dallas Cowboys finished the season with a first-round playoff exit in the Wild Card last season. The Cowboys fired now current head coach of the Washington Commanders, Dan Quinn. Armstrong now gets to reunite with his former defensive coach to play for the Commanders.
Since signing his rookie contract, Dorance Armstrong has started in 93 games with 14 starts. He was ranked No. 55 on the PFT’s List of top 100 free agents and now joins the Commanders.
