3 trade deadline moves the Commanders should avoid at all costs
By Jerry Trotta
2. Trade for the wrong Panthers DL
If you can believe it, old friend Matt Ioannidis is on the trade block. The veteran defensive lineman signed with the Carolina Panthers shortly after Washington made him a cap casualty in the offseason following the Carson Wentz trade.
With Daron Payne a potential trade candidate, the Commanders could be seduced into reuniting with Ioannidis. While an underrated player and top-notch backup, someone like Derrick Brown would be a much better get for Washington.
The No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 draft, Brown is currently PFF’s seventh-highest graded interior defender for the season. Only Chris Jones, Aaron Donald, Dexter Lawrence, Quinnen Williams and Jeffery Simmons have better marks.
After a sluggish start to his career, Brown is suddenly living up to the billing of a former lottery pick. In just his third season, the Commanders would have the Auburn product under team control through next season with the option to pick up his fifth year for 2024.
If Payne gets dealt, Brown would be an excellent counter move. That is, if the Panthers, who’ve already sold off Christian McCaffrey and could part with a number of other players before Tuesday’s deadline, are willing to sell the 24-year-old.