5 bold trade deadline moves Commanders could make for long-term growth
By Dean Jones
Commanders could trade for Zach Harrison
Losing Jonathan Allen to a season-ending torn bicep was a bitter blow. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle is an inspirational presence on and off the field, so others need to step up if the Washington Commanders want to continue their fairytale start to the campaign.
Second-round selections Johnny Newton and Phidarian Mathis will be tasked with filling the void. They performed relatively well without Allen to depend upon against the Carolina Panthers in Week 7, but the duo will face much bigger challenges as the campaign progresses.
Adding to the defensive front with another insurance policy with a high upside might be an option before the trade deadline. Zach Harrison, a former third-round pick out of Ohio State, has the versatility and potential to improve further under the expert guidance of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.
Harrison flashes promise as a rookie, gaining three sacks and looking like someone who could be a productive starter long-term. He's fallen out of favor under new Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, so a fresh start might be the best possible solution for all parties.
Commanders could trade for Denzel Ward
The first two mentioned would be cheap, underwhelming additions. If general manager Adam Peters genuinely believes this team is in a strong position to make noise in the postseason, the general manager might be thinking a little bigger.
One of the complications that could hold the Commanders back in they reach the playoffs centers on the secondary. The unit performed well versus the Panthers. However, that counts for absolutely nothing considering how woeful Carolina has been throughout the campaign to date.
If the Commanders want to mix it with the elite teams when postseason football arrives, they need more. It might be worth testing the Cleveland Browns' resolve with Denzel Ward looking at the current state of affairs within the AFC North outfit.
The Browns were going nowhere fast even before quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a torn Achilles. The time to recoup draft capital has arrived. Ward is among the league's best-tackling cornerbacks and is just 27 years old. Washington also has the financial means to absorb his contract in this scenario.
Peters might look for someone cheaper considering the potential compensation attached. But there's no harm in calling the Browns to find out one way or another.