Tim Settle Jr.

Career StatsC+

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		124	15.0	130	23
2025		12	1.0	15	3.5
2024		17	5.0	31	7.5
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Net of age, position, and term, Tim Settle Jr.'s deal earns a D+ Contract Value Index. At $7.83M AAV over three years for an eight-year veteran entering his established phase, Settle's contract reflects what happens when nostalgia and roster continuity override production-based market value—he's collecting starter money for a rotational contributor role. His 2025 season output (15 tackles, 1 sack across 12 games) ranks squarely in the middling tier for defensive line work, a performance level that typically commands depth pricing, not mid-tier starter salary. Interior defensive linemen at this production rung usually fetch $5M-$6M annually; Settle's $7.83M AAV represents a meaningful premium, one the Commanders appear willing to pay for familiarity and the "homecoming" narrative that's driving fan sentiment. The three-year structure locks Washington into this above-market rate through 2028, limiting flexibility to upgrade the position if Settle's production doesn't justify the contract or the team's defensive priorities shift. Media framing correctly pegs this as a smart rotational piece for roster continuity rather than a defensive anchor signing, which is honest—but the contract dollars don't match that modest role, making it a borderline overpay in pure value terms even if it makes emotional sense for an organization rebuilding its culture and fan trust.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the D band — a quick read on where Tim's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Tim Settle Jr. is an eight-year veteran defensive tackle for Washington who has logged 124 career games as a rotational interior defender. The 29-year-old represents a mid-tier depth piece with modest but reliable production, earning a C+ overall grade reflecting his role as a situational contributor rather than a premium pass-rusher. His career body of work has been more productive than this season's snapshot suggests, though a notable decline in 2025 warrants attention. This season, Settle's pass-rush metrics have dipped below league standards across most categories. He's averaging 0.08 sacks per game against the NFL average of 0.14, while his 0.08 QB hits per game trail the 0.29 benchmark significantly—his primary weakness in pressure generation. His tackle rate of 1.25 per game also sits below the 1.82 average, though his 0.29 tackles for loss per game matches the league mean, suggesting he remains reasonably effective in run defense when called upon. The gap between his elite-level comparables and his current output reflects limited snaps and diminishing explosiveness rather than structural deficiency. Settle's trajectory shows visible erosion: he dropped from a B- grade in 2024 to a D in the current season, continuing a downward trend from the D- campaign in 2023. At 29 with declining production, his ceiling as a rotational piece is established. Washington should monitor whether the regression stems from usage limitations or declining athletic capacity heading into the offseason.

How Tim Compares at the Position

Tim Settle Jr. ranks 79th of 217 graded defensive tackles by performance. That slots Tim between Greg Gaines (C+) just ahead and Tommy Akingbesote (C+) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Solid depth signing for Washington's defensive line rotation needs. Media frames this as a familiar return with potential upside for the DMV-based defender. Three-year deal suggests modest investment in proven rotational contributor rather than star acquisition. Fans view this as sensible continuity move but not franchise-altering for defense. Settle projects as capable backup defensive tackle in rotating scheme.