NFL Rumors: Dan Quinn has already stolen a prized Cowboys free agent

It's been a month since Dan Quinn was hired as the Commanders head coach. The former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator has largely received glowing reviews from Washington beat reporters and fans thus far in his tenure.

Quinn is admittedly still enjoying honeymoon phase in Washington, but he's made strong hires to round out his coaching staff. Along with GM Adam Peters, Quinn has made cutthroat decisions with multiple Commanders veterans, releasing tight end Logan Thomas, left tackle Charles Leno and center Nick Gates.

The Commanders' roster desperately needs an injection of talent and it feels inevitable that they'll recruit former Cowboys in free agency. Quinn will undoubtedly lead that charge and Dallas fans should brace for at least one Cowboys free agent to join Quinn in Washington.

It didn't take long for Quinn to pluck a Dallas free agent, as the Commanders have reportedly agreed to terms with DE Dorance Armstrong.

Dan Quinn's Commanders have signed Cowboys DE Dorance Armstrong

Following the NFL Combine, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler mentioned Washington as a likely destination for Armstrong. The weekend showcase for college prospects has proven to be a gold mine for gathering pre-free agency nuggets, draft rumors and potential trade rumblings.

In a vacuum, Armstrong makes perfect sense as a Washington signing. Before the trade deadline, Dallas' rival traded starting edge rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young.

The left the Commanders' DE before of talent. They still have Jonathan Allen and DaRon Payne clogging up the trenches at defensive tackle, but Allen has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate. Regardless, Washington needed bodies at edge rusher and Armstrong has been a star in his role for the Cowboys.

Over the last three seasons, Armstrong has amassed 21 sacks, 40 quarterback hits and 20 tackles for loss. That's outstanding production considering he only played 48.3% of the snaps during that span. He's also averaged 36.3 pressures and 21.3 defensive stops per season since 2021, per Pro Football Focus.

Projecting Armstrong's production in a full-time role had to be a tantalizing thought for Quinn while he and Commanders general manager Adam Peters surveyed the defensive end market.

In short, Armstrong is deserving of a big pay day and prominent role. He exceeded everyone's expectations as a fourth-round pick in 2018 and he can play anywhere on the defensive line. If there's anyone who knows what Armstrong brings to the table, it's Quinn, so it's no surprise Quinn had him in his crosshairs.

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