On Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Sunday’s game between the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles could dictate Washington’s ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade.
Well, Washington lost and is now 3-5 on the season. So, if Schefter is correct, the Commanders are open for business.
The first question is, who is making these trades? We know head coach Ron Rivera sits atop the football flow chart as he hired his top executives, Marty Hurney, Martin Mayhew and Eric Stokes. Should this group be deciding Washington’s future?
Do you trust you’ll get the best return when the current regime probably isn’t keen on trading anyone away?
These are pertinent questions, but it’s time for the Commanders to look ahead. There are good players on this team, players who would help other teams. While Washington should be in sell mode, the Commanders shouldn’t give anyone away. It should all be about value.
Washington doesn’t want to trade Montez Sweat or Chase Young. But, it’s long been known the Commanders can’t keep both. So, trading one now, instead of waiting for a compensatory pick that may not come, they should make a move now.
Here are eight players who could be moved or receive interest around the league ahead of the trade deadline.
DE Chase Young
It appears to be a case of either Montez Sweat or Chase Young. We’ve made our case about why the Commanders should hang onto Young and let the next regime decide his future. He is three years younger and has a higher ceiling. Jay Glazer said Washington is expected to trade one of its defensive linemen. Will it be Young?
DE Montez Sweat
Simply put, Sweat is the better overall player between him and Young. He’s a better run defender, he is consistent and he’s also an excellent pass rusher. Whether it’s the Commanders or someone else, Sweat is going to get paid. Had Washington not been dealing with an ownership change, it’s a safe bet that Ron Rivera would’ve extended Sweat. The coaches love him. He’s a good player. As of now, Sweat should be the odds-on favorite to be moved.
DT Jonathan Allen
Relax. Jonathan Allen isn’t going anywhere. But, per Schefter, teams have inquired about him. Allen is a terrific player. Glazer incorrectly said that Allen said he wanted out. He never said that. He expressed frustration over losing. He is a hometown guy. It’s doubtful he wants to be moved, and the Commanders consider him a cornerstone player. But, like anything, you have to listen.
S Kamren Curl
Kam Curl is one of the success stories under Rivera. A seventh-round pick in 2020, Curl quickly ascended into the starting lineup, where he’s remained for four years. The Commanders have always wanted to retain Curl. Like Sweat, had there not been an ownership change, he likely would’ve already been extended. Other teams aren’t giving up a lot for Curl. He doesn’t make game-changing plays but is an excellent player. I would imagine the new regime would value him.
CB Kendall Fuller
Fuller is in the final year of his contract. When Washington selected Emmanuel Forbes in the first round of the draft, it had an eye toward the future. Thus far, that experiment has failed miserably. Fuller is still Washington’s best defensive back. Good cornerbacks are valued across the NFL. Fuller would have interest.
But it’s not going to be a premium pick given up for Fuller. Do you want to trade him for a late-round pick? At this point, the Commanders should be looking to re-sign Fuller. Imagine Washington’s secondary without him.
QB Jacoby Brissett
Backup quarterbacks are important in the NFL. Washington is set with Sam Howell under center. Brissett will only play unless Howell is hurt. At this point, it’s clear Washington is not a playoff team, so the Commanders don’t need the luxury of a veteran backup like Brissett. He is a valuable asset. There was talk last week of a potential reunion with the Browns, something those close to Cleveland said wasn’t happening.
With the Minnesota Vikings losing Kirk Cousins, could they make a trade for Brissett to keep them afloat? If a team would somehow offer you a fourth-round pick for Brissett, that’s an easy choice to move him.
WR Curtis Samuel
Curtis Samuel is in the final year of his contract. He’s had a solid season for Washington but left Sunday’s game with an injury. We aren’t sure of the severity, but even if healthy, Samuel’s salary would likely be a deterrent for an acquiring team. No team is going to give up a solid draft choice for a complementary receiver at his cost.
RB Antonio Gibson
Antonio Gibson is in the final year of his rookie contract. Gibson’s career in Washington makes for a good episode of “what could have been.” Washington made him a starting running back in his rookie year. He was excellent, too, but has struggled with fumbles since. Also, it’s been clear Gibson is best used in space. Had Washington used Gibson as more of a weapon than a true running back, he would’ve been even more successful. Gibson is a valuable player. Teams wanted him last season, and Washington wouldn’t move him. While trading Gibson isn’t going to fetch a big return, he could be a sneaky addition for a contending team.
