The Washington Commanders have not run a base defense with three linebackers since the 2020 season.
That year, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio rolled out a classic trio — Cole Holcomb on the strong side, Kevin Pierre-Louis on the weak side, and Jon Bostic in the middle. None was an elite player, but they functioned rather well as a unit.
Bostic was nearing retirement, and a decision was made to let Pierre-Louis leave via free agency. Soon, Holcomb followed him out the door. The new Commanders' linebacking corps would theoretically be centered on 2021 first-round draft pick Jamin Davis.