Since the Washington Commanders’ ugly and disappointing loss to the New York Giants last week, rumors have been rampant about the team’s plans at this week’s NFL trade deadline.
There are many reasons to believe Washington could sell at the deadline. There are the expiring contracts of talented defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young. The Commanders would love to keep both, but after paying defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, that wouldn’t be a wise financial investment.
Some NFL executives believe Sweat and Young are available — at the right price. What is the right price?
Other players, such as wide receiver Curtis Samuel, running back Antonio Gibson, or cornerback Kendall Fuller, could fetch a day-three pick for the Commanders.
At 3-4, Washington remains in the NFC wild-card mix. With a win Sunday over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Commanders would be in a good position moving forward. If they lose, well, it would be difficult to buy Washington as a playoff contender.
According to a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN, Sunday’s game will determine Washington’s plans at Tuesday’s trade deadline.
The Washington Commanders’ decision on whether to proceed with trading players or pushing for the playoffs is expected to be influenced by Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, sources told ESPN.
The Commanders have already received one offer for Sweat but none for Young. That may have changed, of course. Schefter’s wording makes it appear the Commanders would not trade both, which would be the right move.
So before losing Young or Sweat in free agency, Washington first could decide to trade one to maximize compensation in the 2024 draft instead of getting a compensatory pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
We’ve made our stance clear: Washington should retain Young, let him finish this season, and allow the next regime (if head coach Ron Rivera is let go) to determine Young’s future. You simply can’t give a player of Young’s potential value for a mid-round pick.
With a new owner in place, there are expected to be many changes for the Commanders after the season.
Another nugget from Schefter was that the team received trade inquiries on Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, but Washington made it clear he was not being dealt under any circumstances.
Sweat said last week that he enjoyed his time in Washington but understands the business side of football.
It should be an interesting two days until the deadline.
