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.
2. Shaq Thompson, LB (Panthers)
The Commanders are so thin at linebacker that they promoted Khaleke Hudson from the practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Packers. While Cole Holcomb has rebounded from a slow start and Jamin Davis flashed in the running game against the Packers, the position is one injury away from becoming a turnstile.
It couldn’t hurt to add a backup who isn’t named David Mayo or Jon Bostic. Before Sunday, Bostic’s been restricted to special teams and Mayo’s played five defensive snaps since Week 2 against Detroit when he saw the field for 16 plays.
Enter Shaq Thompson, a player who could be included in the Panthers’ fire sale, which started with offloading Robby Anderson to Arizona (though that move was forced) and Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers for four draft picks.
The Panthers are clearly rebuilding and the 28-year-old Thompson likely doesn’t fit into those plans. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler understands Thompson could be available. The former first-round pick is signed through 2023 and could serve as Holcomb’s replacement if Washington chooses not to re-sign him this offseason.
In 2021, Thompson compiled 101 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five passes defended, six quarterback hits, two INTs and a 68.0 QB rating allowed, per PFF.
1. Sidney Jones, CB (Seahawks)
The Commanders need for cornerback depth is evident and they could lose a three-down starter in William Jackson, who would reportedly like a move out of Washington to a scheme (man-oriented relative to zone) that better suits his skillset. Jackson has since walked back the notion he submitted a trade request, but all reports indicates the front office would like to resolve this by meeting Jackson’s wishes.
If Jackson gets his wish, Washington’s need for cornerback depth will increase tenfold. Luckily, the Seahawks have made Sidney Jones IV available. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Seattle would like to keep Jones, but is content playing its young CB rotation of Tariq Woolen, who has four INTs already, Mike Jackson and Coby Bryant.
Jones, meanwhile, just wants to play. The veteran has only played 33 coverage snaps this season, but he’s only a year removed from recording 10 passes defended, allowing a 62.5% completion rate on 56 targets and just three scores.
With Kendall Fuller, Benjamin St-Juste, Jones and Rachad Wildgoose, who’s exceeded expectations filling in for the injured Jackson, the Commanders would suddenly have a solid cornerback rotation to pair with Kam Curl and Darrick Forrest at safety.
Washington can’t afford to rest on its laurels at a premier position, especially if Jackson’s trade request or “preference” is granted.
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