2 hypothetical trade packages the Commanders can offer for Roquan Smith
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders have a glaring need at linebacker and one of the game’s elite players at the position is suddenly available after All-Pro Roquan Smith formally requested a trade from the Chicago Bears on Tuesday.
While we firmly believe it’s unlikely the Commanders sanction a trade for the disgruntled defender, you can’t totally rule it out.
After all, head coach Ron Rivera is entering a pivotal Year 3 at the helm and needs to improve his win-loss record if he’s to return for a fourth year in the nation’s capital and trading for Smith would certainly elevate the team’s ceiling.
Smith’s first two seasons in the NFL were highly encouraging, but he’s established himself as an borderline superstar the last two years.
During that span, Smith’s 193 solo tackles lead all defenders and his 302 combined takedowns rank third in that department. He’s also managed 30 tackles for loss, seven sacks, 10 passes defended and three interceptions.
In other words, Smith is a real difference-maker and he won’t come cheap if Washington is interested. With that in mind, let’s brainstorm two trade packages that would allow the Commanders to free Smith from Chicago.
2 trade packages the Commanders can offer for Roquan Smith
Like we said, Smith won’t come cheap and acquiring him would surely see Washington parts ways with Holcomb. If the front office can find a way to keep Holcomb more power to them, but the Bears will likely want a proven, ascending linebacker to replace Smith over a development project in Jamin Davis who might struggle to play 70 percent of the snaps as a sophomore.
Offloading two draft picks next year will be tough, especially since the Commanders are likely to be without a second- and third-rounder if Carson Wentz plays more than 70 percent of the snaps, but you have to pay to get the best and acquiring a top-five player at a position of weakness would be transformative for the defense.
Who knows? The Bears might demand a future second-round pick and Holcomb for Smith, which Washington doesn’t have until 2024.