2 reasons the Commanders should avoid trading for Roquan Smith

The Washington Commanders are widely said to have the weakest or one of the weakest linebacker rotations in the NFL for this season. Because of that, no shortage of analysts and writers have pegged them as an ideal trade destination for Bears linebacker Roquan Smith, who requested a trade Tuesday.

Like any trade for an All-Pro player — Smith would likely cost a player asset and a mid-to-high draft pick(s) — there are multiple pros and cons.

We’ve already highlighted some of the benefits of trading for Smith. The most important? His playing style, position and output represent everything Washington is currently missing in the middle of its defense. It’s not hyperbole to say adding Smith would make the Commanders’ defense a championship-level unit.

Of course, if it were that simple they’d just make the trade.

Since this isn’t Madden, Washington’s front office has to consider every pertinent variable; some of which suggest acquiring Smith might not be the best idea.

2 reasons the Commanders shouldn’t trade for Roquan Smith

2. What if Cole Holcomb is THAT Guy?

Holcomb endeared himself to fans with a breakout 2021 when he finished as a top-three player on the defense behind Jon Allen and Kendall Fuller.

Holcomb’s 142 tackles led Washington by a significant margin and ranked 10th among all defenders. For what it’s worth, Smith’s 163 tackles ranked fifth, so both players have an unteachable nose for the ball and rarely miss the chance to take down a ball-carrier.

While Holcomb might never reach Smith’s ceiling, how smart would it be if Washington overpaid to upgrade on the 2019 fifth-round pick? The coaching staff and front office heaped praise on Holcomb’s behalf after his eye-opening 2021, seemingly hinting that he’s in the driver’s seat to receive a second contract.

Holcomb will be a free agent after this season and it’s safe to say he’ll command a much lesser salary than Smith, who could get between $16-20 million annually. Holcomb, on the other hand, might cost between $7-12 million annually and that’ll hinge on whether he continues to develop and builds on his breakout.

We’d just hate to see Washington overpay for Smith while Holcomb continues his upward trajectory (at a lesser salary) somewhere else. The cost-effective approach would be to keep Holcomb, make him the future of the LB position and continue searching for a proper sidekick if Jamin Davis ultimately isn’t that guy.