It was an unbelievable run for the Washington Commanders in 2024. Fans would have gratefully accepted an NFC Championship game appearance before the campaign. This was the perfect start, but what comes next is more important.
The Commanders have a good opportunity to strengthen their roster this offseason. General manager Adam Peters is loaded with more than $90 million in available salary-cap space. He's got seven draft selections, too. That provides the respected front-office leader with flexibility in abundance during the upcoming recruitment period.
Nobody will be turning away from the Commanders this spring. Washington is gaining headlines for all the right reasons. There are ambitious plans behind the scenes to upgrade facilities and build a new stadium. They also have a franchise quarterback that players will want to join.
It's a good spot to be in, but Peters must handle everything with his customary composure and professionalism. Striking when opportunities arise is also key, especially when it comes to potential trades that could be available.
Peters will pull the trigger if he feels like it's the right thing to do, as evidenced by the Marshon Lattimore switch before the deadline. On this topic, here are five blockbuster trades the Commanders might consider if these players become available.
Blockbuster trades Commanders should consider to propel Super Bowl hopes in 2025
Commanders could trade for Garrett Wilson
Garrett Wilson cut a frustrated figure with the New York Jets last season. The AFC East team was tipped by many to go deep into the postseason but once again vastly underachieved. This saw tensions build and friction develop between the old guard and the new blood looking to turn the tide.
Wilson reportedly had a bust-up with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers at training camp that didn't get properly resolved. Read into that what you will, but the lack of chemistry was evident as things spiraled out of control.
The former first-round pick out of Ohio State hinted that his future might lie away from the Jets. Head coach Aaron Glenn won't want to lose his most dynamic young weapon in the passing game. However, this is largely dependent on what Rodgers' future holds in 2025.
Adam Peters and others around the NFL will be watching developments closely. The Washington Commanders need another highly productive wide receiver to put opposite Terry McLaurin. If for some reason the Jets were willing to entertain offers or Wilson made things difficult, the general manager should do everything in his power to bring him into the fold.
Wilson wouldn't be cheap from a compensation standpoint. However, he's still on his rookie deal and provides elite-level upside long-term for Jayden Daniels.
Commanders could trade for Quay Walker
Dan Quinn's defense requires dynamism at the second level. The Washington Commanders have that with ferocious linebacker Frankie Luvu, who was arguably the best free-agent signing made by the new regime in 2024 en route to a second-team All-Pro selection.
The Commanders won't settle. Bobby Wagner should get another extension if he wants to stick around, but all bets are off aside from that. Adam Peters must find the right reinforcements capable of providing stability behind the defensive front, especially against the run.
While Quay Walker has gone over 100 tackles in each of his first three NFL seasons, one could make a strong case for the player not maximizing his athletic attributes fully as yet. Looking at his size and physical profile, the former Georgia standout looks tailor-made for the scheme implemented by Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
Walker is instinctive and capable of getting to the contact point with aggression. He's got some useful pass-rushing traits, although his coverage capabilities leave a lot to be desired. But if anyone can unlock his true potential, it's Quinn.
If the Green Bay Packers are ready to cut their losses, the Commanders might swoop if the price is right. This could also be an absolute steal if Quinn can get more from the player.
Commanders could trade for Deebo Samuel Sr.
You might be sensing a theme here. The Commanders are right on the cusp of something special. To sustain their incredible early momentum, they must get Jayden Daniels more help in the passing game.
Daniels is a dynamic presence capable of taking games over by himself. His options this season were limited, although the signal-caller managed to get the best out of most. The Commanders cannot be over-reliant on his playmaking abilities if they want to hang with the NFL's elite consistently.
Adam Peters could turn to someone he knows well for assistance. The San Francisco 49ers have just over $48 million in available salary-cap space. However, they've got a plethora of free agents and also have to pay starting quarterback Brock Purdy.
The Niners have gotten maximum value from Purdy's seventh-round rookie deal, but he's now extension-eligible. That means sacrifices need to be made, so it's no surprise to see wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.'s name come up in trade speculation.
Samuel's had slight troubles with injury in recent years, but the former second-round pick remains a versatile weapon with devastating yards after the catch capabilities. Peters was part of the front office team that brought him to San Francisco. Don't be surprised if the Commanders throw their hat in the ring if the Niners deem him expendable.
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.