3 Commanders who could be traded before end of 2022 season

1. Taylor Heinicke

We’ve already addressed the concept of trading Heinicke. If you read those articles you know we’re loudly against the idea. While Carson Wentz’s injury history is overblown, the incumbent starter does have a track record of taking big hits.

Therefore, keeping Heinicke for a potential worse-case scenario after he led Washington to seven wins last campaign, is a no-brainer. The crux of that argument? 2022 fifth-round selection Sam Howell isn’t ready to be a full-time backup.

The consensus opinion from Commanders spring practices is Howell had impressive and shaky moments. The expectation is the former Tar Heel will take a redshirt year as a rookie refining his throwing mechanics (especially in a clean pocket), footwork and learning the ins and outs of running an NFL offense.

What if Howell proves everyone wrong during training camp? Maybe the Commanders have already made up their mind on the first-year gunslinger, but who’s to say he can’t defy the odds as a fifth-round pick?

If you remember, Dak Prescott won 13 games as a fourth-rounder in 2016. Nobody’s expecting Howell to do that, but it’s far from impossible for a late-round QB to be involved with the first-team offense as a rookie.

Should Howell pull that off, Heinicke suddenly becomes expendable and Washington can stockpile more picks for the 2023 draft. Quarterback injuries are inevitable and Heinicke could potentially go for a fourth-round pick if a team is desperate enough.