3 realistic trade deadline targets for the surging Commanders
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders’ still face an uphill climb to make the playoffs after winning two games in as many weeks, but Ron Rivera isn’t one to merely wave the white flag. And for all of the head coach’s maddening tendencies, his Washington teams have an unreal propensity to turn season’s around in the second half.
While the Commanders could entertain selling some players, they should simultaneously be looking for ways to improve the roster. These don’t have to be big splashes — like the 49ers trading for Christian McCaffrey — but there’s nothing wrong with small-scale moves worth mid- or late-round draft picks.
With that in mind, let’s explore some realistic trade deadline targets for the Commanders. Rivera should consider making these deals.
3 realistic trade deadline targets for the Commanders
3. Isaiah Wynn, OT (Patriots)
Bill Belichick is notoriously reluctant about paying offensive linemen top-dollar. Just two offseason’s ago, he let guard Joe Thuney walk and he traded right guard Shaq Mason to the Buccaneers this past offseason. A free agent to be come March, Isaiah Wynn could be the next man out in Foxborough.
The Patriots drafted Wynn to be their left tackle, but that experiment’s hit a snag due to injuries and inconsistency. Some players just aren’t cut out to play in New England and Wynn could use a change of scenery to jumpstart his career.
The Commanders’ LT position is locked up with Charles Leno signing a three-year extension in the offseason, but Wynn has extensive experience at right tackle.
It’s a long shot, but perhaps Washington acquires Wynn to play right tackle and kicks Sam Cosmi, who’s taken his lumps at the position and has struggled staying healthy, to right guard and bumps Saahdiq Charles, who’s been starting for the benched Trai Turner, back to his more familiar backup role.
Again it’s unlikely, but Washington needs to shake up its offensive line and Wynn might be the most proven player available at the deadline. A former first-round pick out of Georgia, Wynn’s value has never been lower and his second contract is going to be markedly cheaper compared to most right tackles.