After a Career Year with the Cowboys, Chauncey Golston Joins a Division Rival
After a standout 2024 season with the Dallas Cowboys, defensive lineman Chauncey Golston has made the decision to join a division rival, signing a contract with the Washington Commanders. This move marks a significant turn in Golston’s career, as he shifts from one NFC East powerhouse to another after making considerable strides in his development with the Cowboys.
Chauncey Golston’s Career Year in Dallas
Chauncey Golston, a former third-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2021 NFL Draft, has shown consistent progress since his arrival in Dallas. However, the 2024 season was by far his best. The defensive lineman was a key part of a Cowboys defensive line that ranked among the top in the NFL in terms of pressure and overall effectiveness. Golston’s career year featured a career-high in sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback pressures. His versatility and ability to play both inside and on the edge allowed the Cowboys to deploy him in various roles, making him an essential piece of their defensive front.
In 2024, Golston played in all 17 games, recording 7.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits, numbers that drew attention across the league. His ability to disrupt the pocket and provide consistent pressure helped to elevate the Cowboys’ pass rush, complementing their already potent defense, which was ranked in the top five in total yards allowed. Golston’s development into a reliable edge rusher and run defender made him one of the more underrated defensive players in the league, earning him recognition from both fans and analysts alike.
The Move to Washington
Golston’s decision to leave the Cowboys for the Commanders is a noteworthy development in the NFC East. The Commanders, who have invested heavily in their defense in recent years, have been looking for ways to further bolster their defensive line. Washington has a solid foundation, with standout players like Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne anchoring the interior, but the addition of Golston provides them with a dynamic edge presence they’ve been missing.
The move also gives Golston an opportunity for a fresh start and potentially more playing time in a division that will be highly competitive in the coming seasons. Joining Washington allows him to continue facing off against the Cowboys twice a year, adding extra motivation as he squares off against his former team. Additionally, the Commanders will benefit from Golston’s ability to contribute both as a pass rusher and as a run stopper, strengthening a defensive front that is already feared in the NFC East.
Impact on the Cowboys and NFC East Rivalry
For the Cowboys, losing Golston to a division rival stings, especially after the strides he made in 2024. However, Dallas has built a strong defensive line, and while Golston’s departure creates a hole, they will likely look to fill it either through the draft or other free-agent signings. The Cowboys will need to replace his presence, but they have the resources to do so.
Meanwhile, the Commanders’ defense, already one of the league’s strongest, becomes even more formidable with Golston’s addition. As NFC East rivals, the Cowboys and Commanders will now have an added layer of intrigue when they meet, with Golston facing his former team for the first time in a new uniform. This shift adds another dimension to the rivalry, making their matchups in the coming seasons even more exciting.
Conclusion
Chauncey Golston’s move from the Cowboys to the Washington Commanders represents a significant shift in the NFC East landscape. After a career year in Dallas, Golston is now set to help strengthen a rival’s defensive line. His versatility, strength, and skill set will undoubtedly make an impact in Washington, while the Cowboys must now look to replace his production. As both teams continue to build for the future, the addition of Golston to the Commanders only intensifies an already heated division rivalry.
