Loser No. 2
Noah Brown - Commanders WR
Noah Brown was a late arrival to the Washington Commanders before the 2024 campaign. Those in power swooped quickly to secure his services once the Houston Texans deemed him surplus to requirements. It represented a decent acquisition when more offensive firepower was needed.
Brown took a little time to get into his groove. He gradually earned the trust of Jayden Daniels and emerged as the clear No. 2 behind Terry McLaurin. It wasn't perfect, but there were more good moments than bad.
The former seventh-round selection brought in 35 receptions from 56 targets for 453 receiving yards and one unforgettable touchdown — the Hail Mary miracle to beat the Chicago Bears. Brown's campaign came to an abrupt halt with an internal complication, placing him on season-ending injured reserve to miss the playoffs.
What comes next for Brown is unclear. He's expected to make a full recovery and wants to continue his playing career, potentially with the Commanders. However, the Ohio State product will be forced to accept a lesser role thanks to the acquisition of Deebo Samuel Sr. via trade.
Brown offers something different. He's a big-bodied receiver who can stretch the field while Samuel does his best work underneath after the catch. That might see another short-term deal arrive if the money is right, but it could go either way.
Winner No. 3
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels is a superstar. The quarterback played with poise beyond his years to take the league by storm en route to NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Washington is going to do everything in its power to ensure this encouraging trend continues.
Adam Peters knows how special Daniels is. He knows how important maximizing his rookie contract will be for the team's success. Improving the protection is crucial, but finding more productive weapons in the passing game is only going to help his cause.
Trading for Deebo Samuel Sr. ticks that box. More is needed, but Daniels now has a legitimate one-two-punch in the passing game for the Heisman Trophy winner to utilize. Kliff Kingsbury's decision to turn down head coaching offers maintains much-needed schematic continuity to help the signal-caller prove his first-year exploits weren't a flash in the pan.
Having Terry McLaurin and Samuel providing an outlet is a mouthwatering proposition for Daniels. He won't be a surprise teams don't see coming in 2025. Even so, the LSU product's flair for the big occasion and flawless composure in the highest stakes leave reasons for encouragement.
The Commanders are heading in the right direction thanks in no small part to Daniels' transition. Giving him a dynamic, versatile weapon like Samuel comes with untold potential attached.