Commanders could trade for Jack Conklin
The Washington Commanders cannot settle in the trenches. This critical area of the field was found wanting on both sides of the football in the NFC Championship game. If Adam Peters wants this organization to progress, adding to their offensive and defensive lines is crucial.
This is a deep draft class for defensive linemen and edge rushers that Peters will no doubt take advantage of at some stage. On the offensive side, finding a starting-caliber right guard is essential given Sam Cosmi looks set to miss the entire 2025 campaign with a torn ACL.
Upgrading the tackle spots cannot be completely dismissed. Brandon Coleman did well on the blindside as a rookie despite the obvious growing pains. Veteran right tackle Andrew Wylie was inconsistent once again and could be a potential salary-cap casualty when push comes to shove.
Should the Commanders decide to go bold in their quest to provide Jayden Daniels with the protection needed to thrive, keeping tabs on Jack Conklin wouldn't be the worst idea in the world. The edge force is a dominant blocker when firing on all cylinders. Unfortunately for the Cleveland Browns, they are in salary-cap hell entering the offseason.
Their trade and record-breaking contract given to Deshaun Watson has been a catastrophe up to now. The Browns are $30 million over the projected cap, so sacrifices are needed elsewhere. Trading Conklin is unlikely, but it wouldn't hurt the Commanders to ask.
Commanders could trade for D.K. Metcalf
As mentioned previously, the Commanders need to surround Jayden Daniels with the supporting cast needed to excel. He's done a tremendous job up to now, but the franchise must do its part to take some pressure off his young shoulders.
Terry McLaurin is exceptional and firmly cemented among the league's best wide receivers, but he cannot do it alone. The Commanders need to examine every avenue to bolster the weapons around their dynamic signal-caller. That also includes the trade market if the right opportunity presents itself.
There's growing speculation around D.K. Metcalf's future with the Seattle Seahawks. The physically imposing pass-catcher is an explosive force at the peak of his powers. He's a threat to stretch the field and is a nightmare to cover one-on-one. That's exactly the sort of threat Washington needs opposite McLaurin.
Whether these rumors amount to anything more remains to be seen. Metcalf has one year remaining on his deal and counts $31.87 million against Seattle's salary cap next season. If the Seahawks are receptive, the Commanders could strike a trade and tie him down to an extension in pursuit of getting this figure down considerably.
The Commanders wouldn't be alone in coveting Metcalf in this scenario. But Peters has the cash and the capital to pull it off.