With a tough loss to the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles sending the Washington Commanders to 3-5 (0-3 in the division) and the trade deadline looming, it appears that the team will trade away at least one of their star players to prepare for what the new ownership group hopes will be a brighter future. With that said, let’s look at the top 10 players most likely to be traded by Washington this week:
10. Terry McLaurin: McLaurin signed a huge deal to remain with Washington prior to last season, but he will be 29 next year and may not be the same receiver by the time this team is built to compete. His cap number is $11 million this year but skyrockets to $24 million next year. With that said, he has consistently been the team’s best player, so we don’t think he’s going anywhere.
9. Curtis Samuel: Much lower on this list because a team would have to create cap space to bring him in as a one-year rental and he doesn’t really bring too much. Maybe a 7th rounder by someone like the Chiefs who can use him the way they hoped Kadarius Toney would work out.
8. Daron Payne: Still disruptive this year, just not getting to the quarterback as much as last year. He signed a massive contract in the offense and would be easy for team to fit in with his current salary, but it would have to be a team willing to pay out the remaining years on his contract. He’s only 26 and a very good player.
7. Antonio Gibson: His role has diminished in what’s likely his last year in Washington and he’s not as effective as many wish he’d be as a third down back. The reason he’s low on the list is because a team would have to see enough value in giving up a draft pick for him.
6. Jonathan Allen: There have been reports that the team isn’t even listening to offers for Allen, who has been a locker room leader and good player for the team, but we think they should. Just a couple months away from being 29 and a sizable contract they can unload since paying the homegrown defensive tackles hasn’t resulted in a better defense.
5. Kendall Fuller: Still very serviceable in the secondary and has proven he can play anywhere back there in the past. The Good Counsel graduate is in the last year of his contract and with his 29th birthday right around the corner, it’s highly unlikely he re-signs with the team. A late round pick for Fuller is very possible.
4. Jacoby Brissett: He hasn’t played a down for Washington after being brought in to compete with Sam Howell for the starting job. Teams who have lost their starter like Cleveland (where he started 11 games last year), the New York Jets. And Minnesota Vikings could all be looking for a temporary starter to possibly guide them to the playoffs this year.
3. Kam Curl: One of the better defensive players on the team and regarded as the best safety the Commanders have had in a while, but he’s going to command big bucks in the offseason and a rebuilding Commanders team probably won’t be the one to give it to him. Could they get a 4th rounder for Curl?
2. Chase Young: Young has looked good after missing much of the last year and a half or so due to injury. The Commanders didn’t pick up his option so he’ll be a free agent and his performance so far this year has probably earned him a big contract in the offseason. It has been reported that the team is looking for a 2nd rounder for Young, who was picked second overall in 2020. He’s only 24 years old.
1. Montez Sweat: Sweat leads the Commanders with 6.5 sacks in the season and could provide an extra push for a competing team that’s in need of a pass rusher. It has been reported that the Falcons already offered a 3rd rounder for Sweat, but Washington is looking for at least a 2nd round pick. Maybe a 3 and an additional mid/late round pick gets it done.