Commanders Add Veteran DT Byron Cowart to Defensive Line Mix Ahead of Preseason

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. A stop-and-start professional arc: Cowart’s NFL journey so far
4. How Cowart might fit the Commanders’ defensive front
5. Maryland ties and locker-room familiarity
6. Why teams sign veterans like Cowart at this time of year
7. What to watch during joint practice and the preseason game
8. Durability concerns and medical context
9. Roster implications: who benefits and who’s on the bubble?
10. Precedent: how similar midseason or camp pickups have fared
11. The strategic value of Maryland alumni on the roster
12. Evaluating team strategy: why Daron Payne’s move outside matters
13. Financial and contractual perspective
14. Potential scenarios for Cowart’s timeline with the Commanders
15. What this means for Commanders fans and the team’s defensive outlook
16. Contextual takeaways: how single signings influence team-building
17. Observational checklist for the next two weeks
18. Broader implications for roster philosophy under Dan Quinn
19. Final practical considerations before roster decisions
20. FAQ

Key Highlights:

• Byron Cowart, a 2019 fifth-round pick with experience across five NFL organizations, is expected to sign with the Washington Commanders after a recent workout that included seven other defensive players.
• Cowart’s arrival strengthens interior defensive-line depth ahead of joint practices with the Miami Dolphins and Washington’s first preseason game, joining existing pieces like Daron Payne (slated for more outside play), Shy Tuttle, Johnny Newton, Javon Kinlaw, and Tim Settle.
• Cowart becomes the fifth former University of Maryland player on Washington’s roster, adding a layer of familiarity with teammates Qwuantrezz Knight and Chig Okonkwo while raising questions about health, role, and how the Commanders will allocate snaps in the trenches.

Introduction

A late-summer roster move quietly shifts Washington’s defensive-line picture. Byron Cowart, a veteran defensive tackle who has navigated college acclaim, draft-day expectations and a string of practice-squad and active-roster turns, is expected to sign with the Washington Commanders after a tryout that included several defensive prospects. His addition arrives at a moment when interior depth matters: joint practices with the Miami Dolphins are scheduled, followed by a preseason opener that will begin sorting positional pecking order and exposing vulnerabilities.

This is a pragmatic signing. The Commanders pursue rotational options to withstand injury and to manage playing time for starters who will slide between alignments. Cowart’s career has been uneven, shaped by both flashes of production and lingering availability concerns. That mixture—experience plus uncertainty—explains why teams bring in veterans like him at this point in camp. Washington’s coaches will weigh what he offers now: immediate snaps in preseason, veteran savvy in the meeting room, and perhaps a low-risk reclamation project that could pay dividends if injuries mount.

The narrative intersects with two threads that interest coaches and fans alike: scheme fit and roster construction. Dan Quinn has already indicated Daron Payne will see more work on the edge. That movement alters internal demand at nose and three-technique roles and creates opportunities for rotational players. Cowart’s skill set and recent NFL history will determine whether he occupies a short-term depth role, an elevated situational job, or simply a practice-week placeholder as the Commanders finalize their 53-man roster.

The next sections parse Cowart’s background, how he might fit Washington’s front, the Maryland pipeline on the roster, and the tactical and procedural reasons teams sign veterans at this point in camp. The goal is to explain how a single signing can shift roster evaluations and provide a realistic picture of what to monitor during joint practices and preseason action.

A stop-and-start professional arc: Cowart’s NFL journey so far

Byron Cowart entered the professional ranks with considerable attention. A physically imposing defensive tackle from the University of Maryland, he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Expectations for fifth-round picks vary, but teams hope those selections deliver depth and developmental upside; Cowart’s combination of size, burst and collegiate production fit that profile.

Cowart’s most significant early playing time came with New England. Across two seasons with the Patriots, he made 19 appearances and 14 starts—an unusual starter-to-appearance ratio that indicates periods of heavy involvement interspersed with limited availability. Those appearances yielded 67 tackles, 10 tackles for loss (TFLs) and 3.5 sacks. That statistical snapshot shows a player capable of contributing in both run defense and pass-rush situations when on the field.

Injuries disrupted the trajectory. Cowart was placed on injured reserve ahead of the 2021 season, a setback that ultimately ended his stint with New England. He resurfaced in Indianapolis for the 2022 season, appearing in 17 games with the Colts and recording 12 tackles and two TFLs. The 2023 campaign saw him on the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad, a non-playing role that keeps veterans connected to the league while they rehabilitate or refine their game.

Cowart’s most recent active contribution came with the Chicago Bears in 2024. Initially added to the practice squad, he was promoted to the active roster and finished the year with 26 total tackles across 15 appearances, including seven starts. Those numbers suggest he earned a meaningful role when given opportunity. An ankle injury in training camp with the New York Jets in 2025 knocked him onto injured reserve and ultimately resulted in his release after the regular season.

That sequence—early opportunity, injuries, practice-squad stints, a bounce-back role, then fresh injury—makes Cowart the sort of player teams will evaluate closely on the field. He’s not a rookie project, nor is he a locked-in veteran. He carries a body of work large enough to demand consideration and a medical history that justifies caution.

How Cowart might fit the Commanders’ defensive front

Washington’s defensive-line structure heading into the preseason reflects both continuity and re-alignment. Several factors shape the evaluation of a new interior lineman: scheme philosophy, personnel movement, matchup needs and the overall plan for managing starter workloads.

Dan Quinn’s approach, particularly his indication that Daron Payne will spend more time working outside, changes the interior landscape. Payne’s slide to the edge reduces his snaps at nose and allows other interior pieces to step into larger roles against the run and in interior pass-rush situations. The Commanders therefore need players who can anchor down the middle, generate push on early downs, and provide interior pass-rush capability on passing downs.

Existing contributors include Shy Tuttle—a player Quinn has praised for standing out during the offseason—Johnny Newton and Javon Kinlaw, who returned to strengthen depth. Washington also signed Tim Settle to commence his second stint with the team. Each of these players brings different traits:

• Shy Tuttle offers a blend of gap control and occasional inside pass-rush; he’s a stout defender who can occupy blocks.
• Johnny Newton has shown the ability to be disruptive and offer interior quickness.
• Javon Kinlaw represents a high-upside athlete with the ceiling to dominate when healthy.
• Tim Settle provides length, leverage and a veteran presence in the rotation.

Cowart adds a profile that sits between these archetypes. He has demonstrated the ability to start in the NFL, to get pressure collapsing the pocket from interior alignment, and to make plays on early downs. Coaches evaluating him will examine his hand usage, pad level, ability to anchor against double teams, lateral mobility in a scheme that asks interior linemen to slant or stunt, and conditioning when used as a rotation piece.

Situational deployment is realistic. He could compete for a three-technique role—tasked with penetrating B-gaps and creating interior pressure on passing downs—or serve as a short-yardage/nose option to free linebackers in run defense. His past starting experience gives him a baseline to win snaps, particularly on early downs where assignments and gap fit matter more than pure explosiveness.

Special-teams value is frequently part of the equation for borderline roster players. Interior linemen occasionally contribute on field-goal protection units, short-yardage goal-line packages, and weighted rotational snaps that provide rest for starters. Cowart’s veteran status and prior starting experience increase his value in these ancillary phases, offering coaches flexibility when juggling minutes.

Cowart will also factor into practice planning. Having a familiar, experienced interior body across from Washington’s offensive line in practice helps prepare the starters for early-season physicality. Coaches sometimes prioritize veterans in camp precisely because they present realistic opposition; a journeyman who has seen multiple systems often understands how to challenge technique and test younger players.

Maryland ties and locker-room familiarity

Cowart’s connection to the University of Maryland adds a human element to his signing. He becomes the fifth former Terrapin on Washington’s roster, joining wide receiver Stefon Diggs, tight end Chig Okonkwo, and safeties Qwuantrezz Knight and Nick Cross. Those shared collegiate roots matter in several respects.

First, previous chemistry can smooth onboarding. Players who have lined up together in college share terminology, habits, and mutual expectations that make meetings more efficient. Cowart’s time at Maryland overlapped with Knight and Okonkwo, meaning he knows two current Commanders personally and professionally. Those relationships ease acclimation and accelerate the exchange of situational knowledge about play-calling, tendencies and work-ethic standards.

Second, teams value cultural fit. A veteran who integrates well into the locker room reduces friction when rotations and late-game substitution decisions arise. Familiar faces or shared developmental lineages sometimes act as unofficial mentors; younger Terrapins on the roster may look to Cowart as a model for navigating the transition from college to pro life.

Third, college pipelines occasionally influence roster decisions indirectly. Coaches and front-office staff maintain networks with certain schools, and those relationships can encourage additional looks at alumni in late camp. Maryland’s program has produced players who translate to NFL roles, and the Commanders’ present roster suggests that familiarity carries weight when adding depth.

The Maryland connection is not decisive for roster status—performance dictates that—but it compounds the practical benefits of adding a veteran who already understands locker-room personalities and regional loyalties.

Why teams sign veterans like Cowart at this time of year

Late July and early August roster moves reflect a particular logic. Teams operate under a cadence driven by joint practices, preseason games, and the need to triage health and performance before roster cut deadlines. There are several pragmatic reasons Washington and other clubs sign veterans to short-term deals in this window:

1. Immediate evaluation in live settings: Joint practices and preseason games provide the first meaningful gauge of how players perform against quality opposition. Signing Cowart before Washington’s joint practices with the Miami Dolphins and the Hawks’ first preseason game allows coaches to examine him in situ rather than relying on a film-only assessment.
2. Injury insurance and depth management: Training camp injuries are routine. Coaches seek to mitigate risk by front-loading depth across key positions. Interior defensive line is among those positions where depth matters because injuries can compound quickly, and rotational freshness is crucial across series, especially in a defense that asks interior players to maintain leverage and gap integrity.
3. Low financial cost, manageable roster flexibility: Veteran minimum or short-term deals generally carry limited financial commitment. The team’s ability to cycle veterans in and out of practice squads and active rosters under the collective bargaining framework gives front offices flexibility to try options without large cap hits. The bargain nature of such signings makes it easier to add veterans for evaluation.
4. Experience as a teaching tool in camp: A veteran who has started in the NFL knows professional expectations, position-specific techniques, and how to respond to coaching adjustments. That experience benefits young players who face those veterans in practice, accelerating their development and providing an elevated baseline for scouts and coaches to compare progress.
5. Final roster tinkering ahead of cuts: As teams approach the first roster cut-downs, coaches finalize their depth charts and positional hierarchies. Bringing in a veteran late creates leverage in internal competition, pushing incumbents to perform and offering a potential upgrade at marginal cost.

Cowart’s signing fits each of those rationales. Whether his presence becomes a long-term solution or a short-term stopgap hinges on performance in joint sessions and preseason snaps, plus the medical evaluation that follows.

What to watch during joint practice and the preseason game

Field evaluation will determine the answer to whether Cowart secures a longer stay in Washington. Coaches scrutinize more than tackle totals or pressure events when considering a mid-camp signee. Expect evaluations along these dimensions:

• Technique at the point of attack: Hand placement, pad level, ability to use leverage against interior linemen, and how consistently he wins with technique rather than sheer athleticism.
• Gap integrity and assignment discipline: Does he maintain assignment in run schemes, and how does he react to stunts and wide-area run designs? Interior linemen who over-pursue or get washed out of gaps create cascading problems for linebackers.
• Pass-rush toolkit: Can he convert speed into leverage? Does he show an effective rip or swim move? Interior pressure from a three-technique often affects the quarterback’s pocket quicker than outside rushes; coaches watch whether he can consistently collapse the middle or force hurried throws.
• Snap-to-snap conditioning: Rotational players who can sustain three- or four-play bursts repeatedly across third downs bring different value than those who produce an occasional impactful play then need extended rest.
• Adaptability to scheme adjustments: Dan Quinn’s front uses displacement, stunt combinations and positional rotation. Players who learn and execute changes quickly in practice have an advantage.
• Communicative presence: Veteran leadership includes communicating with linebackers and adjusting calls up front. Coaches notice when a player consistently helps younger teammates align correctly or identifies tendencies in opponent formations.
• Medical responsiveness: If Cowart has prior ankle issues or other injuries, the training staff will monitor how he responds to repeated snaps and contact. A player who moves freely under load will gain immediate confidence from staff.

Joint practice is especially valuable because it simulates regular-season speed and competitive intensity while the coaches can heavily script scenarios. The Dolphins represent a quality opposition, allowing Washington to see Cowart match up against a tested offensive line with complex protections. The subsequent preseason game provides a live environment where officials call penalties and game flow affects play-calling, giving further insight into how he performs with real stakes.

Coaches weigh these visual and measurable assessments against film and medical reports to decide whether the signing moves him toward a 53-man roster spot, practice squad designation, or release.

Durability concerns and medical context

Cowart’s injury history is central to his evaluation. The pattern—an early IR placement in 2021, time on practice squads, and an ankle injury in 2025—creates legitimate questions about long-term availability. Teams do not dismiss that history; they mitigate it with rigorous medical examinations and usage plans.

For defensive linemen, ankle durability matters for two reasons. First, the position requires repeated short-area bursts and lateral engagement with blockers; ankle stability affects the ability to anchor and to redirect quickly. Second, recovery from ankle injuries can linger in subtle ways, manifesting as reduced burst or altered mechanics that undermine effectiveness. Washington’s medical and strength staff will look beyond gross range of motion: they will assess ankle stability under load, fatigue response across multiple drills, and whether Cowart manages soreness or flare-ups over consecutive practice days.

Coaches can shield a newcomer with known injury history by limiting snap counts initially and by using him in specific packages. Rotational depth is valuable precisely because teams can keep veterans fresh, but that only works if the player can pass the immediate health checks. The Commanders likely structured Cowart’s evaluation with that in mind: a controlled ramp-up before he is asked to absorb sustained contact.

A final consideration: psychological resilience. Repeated injuries and team changes impose mental strain. Teams look for indicators that a player is fully engaged, confident in his body, and responsive to coaching. Veteran players who demonstrate professional habits in recovery and preparation often earn extra leniency and roster spots because they minimize risk of re-injury through proper management.

Roster implications: who benefits and who’s on the bubble?

The interior defensive-line competition in Washington is now more crowded. Cowart’s arrival affects snap distributions and forces clearer demarcations between rotational roles. Several scenarios could unfold:

• Tim Settle’s presence complicates a straight path to a starting job for Cowart. Settle’s familiarity with the team—this is his second stint—suggests coaches value his blend of size and positional knowledge.
• Javon Kinlaw and Johnny Newton bring differing physical gifts. Kinlaw, when healthy, often logs rotational snaps that exploit length and suddenness; Newton’s inside quickness creates pressure on passing downs. Cowart must show he offers something distinct—consistency in gap control, interior bull-rush strength, or situational efficacy on early downs.
• Shy Tuttle’s offseason praise suggests he will retain a meaningful role. If Tuttle continues to produce, Cowart’s opportunity narrows to specific subpackages and depth behind those three or four primary options.
• Younger players who worked out—linebackers and defensive ends listed among the tryouts—compete for practice-squad positions and future developmental opportunities. The presence of an experienced body like Cowart could limit a younger player’s practice reps but also provide mentorship.

Practical roster consequences depend on how coaches value immediate readiness versus developmental potential. If the Commanders prioritize win-now depth, a veteran who can step in without a steep learning curve has an advantage. If the team sees long-term upside in a younger player who needs reps, they might favor youth for practice squad spots and longer-term development.

Finally, special-teams and goal-line packages influence decisions. A veteran who can contribute in these phases provides compelling roster-saver attributes. Cowart’s history of starts suggests he has the baseline competence to be deployed in short-yardage fronts, increasing his odds of finding a prolonged stay.

Precedent: how similar midseason or camp pickups have fared

NFL history contains many examples of veterans finding new life through late camp signings. Not every signing becomes a headline success, but the few that do often follow recognizable patterns: immediate health, strong showing in joint practices, and performance in the first preseason game.

Teams that acquired veterans at this stage benefit from real-time evidence. When a veteran arrives and shows competence in the first documented live reps, coaches can confidently promote him to the active roster or keep him as preferred depth. Conversely, persistent limitations in technique, play speed, or durability result in quick parting.

Several recent cases across the league embody this dynamic. Veteran interior linemen who reinvented themselves did so by showcasing elite situational skills—short-yardage dominance, interior pass-rush efficiency on third downs, or reliable run-stuffing—components that are easy to quantify and that matter in 16- to 17-game seasons where depth dictates playoff viability.

Cowart’s arc puts him in that category of contingent revival. If he recaptures the burst that produced starts with New England and later with the Bears, he will likely stick around. If medical or performance limits persist, the team will treat him as a short-term asset and look elsewhere.

The strategic value of Maryland alumni on the roster

Washington’s accumulation of Maryland players suggests a subtle strategic value beyond singular performance. College alumni often provide a seam of cohesion—players who share a foundational coaching lineage and competitive expectations. The Commanders currently list five Terrapins: Cowart, Stefon Diggs, Chig Okonkwo, Qwuantrezz Knight, and Nick Cross.

That constellation provides three strategic advantages:

1. Accelerated integration: Players with shared collegiate experience often communicate more efficiently in the locker room and in meetings. That can reduce the adjustment period for a mid-camp signee.
2. Leadership continuity: A veteran from the same program can model professional habits and help younger teammates translate college-level techniques to pro concepts.
3. Cultural resonance: For local fan bases, regional ties matter. Maryland connections to a D.C.-area team deepen community identification, and coaches occasionally leverage that familiarity in recruitment or near-term integration.

Those advantages are subtle but real. They rarely trump on-field production but they do complement it. Teams prize players who can both perform and contribute to the locker room, especially when roster spots are tight.

Evaluating team strategy: why Daron Payne’s move outside matters

Dan Quinn’s decision to deploy Daron Payne more on the edge reconfigures interior requirements. Payne’s physical gifts—size, power and an ability to collapse the pocket—make him a versatile piece. Moving him outside creates match-up problems for opposing tackles but leaves a void inside that must be filled reliably.

The ripple effects are straightforward:

• Interior demands increase for players who can command double teams while holding gap integrity against power runs.
• Rotational pressure must come from multiple players who can generate interior push. If Payne reduces his interior snaps, the team needs others to produce volume of consistent run-stopping and occasional interior pass-rush.
• The coaching staff will test combinations to find the most effective line chemistry. Rotations often require complementary skill sets—one player to occupy blocks, another to shoot gaps, and a third to pursue laterally.

Cowart’s versatility offers potential answers. If he displays the capacity to rotate in and create interior disruption, he helps the Commanders maintain balanced pressure while keeping Payne as an edge force. If he cannot replicate his prior effectiveness, the team will look deeper at internal options or consider alternate acquisitions.

Financial and contractual perspective

At this stage of the calendar, short-term veteran signings typically come on modest contracts. Teams value the ability to add players to the roster temporarily without long-term cap commitments. Cowart’s expected deal is likely structured with veteran minimums and minimal guarantees, protecting Washington while giving Cowart a platform to compete.

From the player’s viewpoint, these signings are opportunities to re-establish market value. A strong preseason can convert a short-term deal into a more secure multi-year contract, either with the same team or elsewhere. For veterans coming off injury, demonstrating availability often matters as much as on-field production.

Contractual flexibility benefits both sides: the team manages risk, and the player gets a chance to audition. The Commanders’ front office will monitor Cowart’s performance and health before committing to any longer-term multi-year guarantees.

Potential scenarios for Cowart’s timeline with the Commanders

Several practical scenarios outline how Cowart’s tenure in Washington might unfold:

• Short-term practice depth: He could function primarily as a veteran presence in practice and perhaps see limited snaps in preseason game work. This outcome preserves camp depth while letting the coaching staff further evaluate younger players.
• Practice squad designation: If the team likes his potential but lacks room on the 53-man roster, Cowart could be signed to the practice squad. That provides continued involvement, weekly practice reps, and the potential for elevation to the active roster during the season.
• Active roster spot as rotational interior lineman: If he performs well in joint practice and the preseason, Cowart could earn a role as part of the interior rotation, providing spot starts and targeted packages on early downs and obvious passing situations.
• Short tenure and release: If the tryout reveals persistent limitations—reduced quickness, recurring pain, or inability to adapt to schemes—the team may release him before final cuts. That is a common outcome for mid-camp veteran signings.

Each route hinges on performance, health, and the coaching staff’s evaluation of roster needs leading up to the cutdown dates.

What this means for Commanders fans and the team’s defensive outlook

For fans who follow roster minutiae, the signing signals a couple of things. First, it highlights the coaching staff’s cautious approach to depth: Washington values experience and is proactively preparing for potential injuries. Second, it underscores the fluidity of the defensive-line competition; starting roles are not entirely settled, and the coaches remain open to incremental adjustments before the season begins.

For the team, the move maintains flexibility. If the starter group remains healthy and productive, Cowart is insurance. If injuries strike—or if he demonstrates an ability to upgrade the rotation—he becomes part of the solution. Either way, his presence allows coaches to experiment with alignments and manage starter workloads in a way that reduces early-season strain.

From a strategic standpoint, Washington is building a defense that relies on rotation, matchup versatility and cross-training. A stable of interior players who can share responsibilities reduces reliance on a few workhorse linemen and helps preserve effectiveness across a long season.

Contextual takeaways: how single signings influence team-building

The signing of Byron Cowart is modest in terms of headline impact, but it exemplifies how teams construct rosters incrementally. Successful franchises blend established starters with reliable veterans and developmental prospects. Each addition, even one that seems marginal, carries the potential to change the calculus of snap counts, package usage, and eventual game-day decisions.

Cowart’s presence compels internal competition. That competition raises practice intensity, which benefits coaches seeking truthful evaluation before the regular season. Whether Cowart becomes a fixture or a temporary stopgap, his signing reveals the iterative nature of roster building: coaches add, test and refine until the roster meets their strategic needs.

For evaluators, the focus remains on immediate evidence: how he performs in joint practice against the Dolphins, his responsiveness during the first preseason game, and the training staff’s assessment of his ankle and overall readiness. Those factors will answer the central questions that accompany every mid-camp signing—can he play now, and will he stay healthy?

Observational checklist for the next two weeks

Fans and analysts can watch specific indicators to determine Cowart’s viability:

• Practice reports and snap counts: Does he participate fully in joint practice sessions? How many reps does he take in team periods and in goal-line drills?
• Post-practice commentary: Coaches’ public remarks after joint practices often provide hints about a player’s immediate impact. Praise for “standing out” or “competing well” signals opportunity; lukewarm or absent mentions suggest limited impact.
• Preseason-game performance metrics: Look beyond tackles—note pressures, QB hurries, run stops, and how often he occupies double teams that free teammates to make plays.
• Durability cues: Does he avoid contact limitations or early exits to the medical tent? Consistent availability across practice days suggests the ankle or related issues are manageable.
• Role clarity: Does he appear in early-down packages consistently or is he primarily a situational player? Greater usage across packages indicates trust from coaches.

These observable factors will shape both coaching decisions and fan expectations as Washington moves toward the regular season.

Broader implications for roster philosophy under Dan Quinn

Dan Quinn’s defensive emphasis—pressure from multiple spots, flexibility in alignments and a premium on rotation—makes the interior defensive line a focal point for roster decisions. Adding Cowart aligns with a philosophy that values depth, versatility and the ability to deploy rotating rushers that maintain pressure and stamina.

Quinn has demonstrated an openness to moving players between alignments to create matchup advantages. That flexibility demands depth from every position group. Interior line depth prevents a single injury from unraveling a front; it also gives Quinn the freedom to play match-ups, bringing different personnel packages depending on opponent tendencies.

Cowart’s signing follows that logic. He is a veteran piece who can be used situationally, reducing the pressure on the starters and enabling Quinn to pursue strategic alignment choices without risking a collapse in interior reliability.

Final practical considerations before roster decisions

As final roster cuts approach, Washington’s front office and coaching staff will weigh Cowart’s contributions against younger alternatives, special-teams needs, and the overall salary-cap picture. Practice-squad rules and the flexibility to elevate players during the season make the decisions more nuanced. A veteran like Cowart increases the team’s immediate toolbox but also occupies a limited roster slot that could otherwise support a developmental prospect.

The command staff needs to reconcile short-term performance with long-term planning. A player who looks like a sure upgrade in August may still be less valuable than a young player with higher long-term upside if the team has confidence in the starter group staying healthy. Conversely, playoff aspirations and the reality of regular-season attrition often tilt decisions toward keeping proven veterans.

Washington’s choice will hinge on whether Cowart’s performance in the coming joint practices and the preseason game justifies sustained commitment.

FAQ

Q: Who is Byron Cowart and what has his NFL career looked like? A: Byron Cowart is a defensive tackle drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of the University of Maryland. He gained early playing time with the New England Patriots—registering 67 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks across 14 starts and 19 appearances over two seasons—spent 2022 with the Indianapolis Colts (12 tackles, two TFLs across 17 appearances), joined the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad in 2023, played for the Chicago Bears in 2024 (26 tackles across 15 appearances, including seven starts), and was placed on injured reserve in 2025 with the New York Jets after an ankle injury in training camp. He is expected to sign with the Commanders after a recent workout.

Q: Why are the Commanders signing Cowart now? A: Washington signed Cowart to add experienced interior defensive-line depth before joint practices with the Miami Dolphins and the team’s first preseason game. The move provides immediate evaluation opportunities in live settings, insurance against injuries, and a veteran presence for practice and game preparation.

Q: How might Cowart be used in Washington’s defense? A: Cowart is likely to compete for rotational interior snaps—either as a three-technique penetrating the A-B gaps on passing downs or in early-down roles focused on gap control and run-stopping. He can also contribute on goal-line or short-yardage packages and potentially on special teams depending on the coaches’ needs.

Q: Does Cowart’s Maryland background matter? A: Cowart’s Maryland ties matter for locker-room chemistry and onboarding. He joins several former Terrapins on the roster—Stefon Diggs, Chig Okonkwo, Qwuantrezz Knight and Nick Cross—which can accelerate his acclimation and provide immediate relationships within the team.

Q: Is Cowart likely to make the 53-man roster? A: That depends on his performance in joint practice and the preseason game, as well as how coaching staff value longer-term upside versus immediate readiness. Possible outcomes include an active roster spot as a rotational interior lineman, a practice-squad placement, or a short-term release if performance or medical issues persist.

Q: How do injuries affect Cowart’s chances? A: Prior injuries, including an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve in 2025, are significant factors. Washington’s medical staff will evaluate his stability and responsiveness to repeated contact. Demonstrating consistent availability in practice and games will increase his odds of making the roster.

Q: What should fans watch for in joint practice and preseason to evaluate Cowart? A: Look for full participation in team drills, consistent execution of gap assignments, interior pressure or QB hurries in pass situations, durability across practice days, and any coach comments highlighting his contributions. Performance in the preseason game will also be a key indicator.

Q: How does Daron Payne’s movement to the outside affect Cowart’s opportunity? A: Payne’s shift to more outside snaps increases the demand for reliable interior defenders. That reallocation of responsibilities means Washington will need dependable rotational players inside; Cowart’s ability to fill that need will determine whether he plays a short-term depth role or secures sustained involvement.

Q: What are the roster-building implications of this signing? A: The move typifies an incremental roster-building philosophy: veteran additions provide immediate depth and allow the team to test players in realistic competition before committing to longer-term contracts. It reinforces the importance of depth at key positions and the front office’s willingness to add experience for insurance.

Q: Could Cowart return to a larger role if he performs well? A: Yes. A strong showing in joint practices and the preseason could lead to a more prominent role either with Washington or elsewhere. Teams reward demonstrated health and on-field effectiveness, and a veteran who proves reliable can move from a short-term signing to a multi-game contributor.