2 reasons the Commanders should avoid trading for Roquan Smith

1. Other Players Need to Get Paid

Contrary to popular belief, the salary cap does exist, even though big-market teams (the Rams, Buccaneers and Saints chief among them) continue to make a mockery of it every year. In Washington’s case, trading for Smith could throw a wrench into the team’s plans to keep its defensive core in tact for the future.

Think about it. Montez Sweat could put himself up for an extension with a strong season and Chase Young (another extension to consider) not being available to start the year gives Sweat a gorgeous opportunity to stake his claim.

Kam Curl is maybe the most underrated player on the defense. He could certainly warrant extension buzz with another solid year. Speaking of the secondary, Kendall Fuller and William Jackson III will become free agents after 2023.

And at the rate Fuller is going — he was a stud for most of last year and has been Washington’s best player in training camp — it’s not crazy to think he could command $15 million annually if he continues on his current trajectory.

As much as Smith would transform the Commanders defense, trading for him and subsequently paying him close to $20 million would likely make the front office choose between Sweat and Young, and maybe Curl gets left out, too.

Would that really be worth it? Probably not, as it would increase the pressure on Washington to nail the draft to build around their remaining defenders.