5 bold trade deadline moves Commanders could make for long-term growth

Commanders could trade for Jaycee Horn

Much like the situation with the Cleveland Browns, the Carolina Panthers are on a road to nowhere in 2024. Dave Canales is navigating some testing waters with a talent-devoid roster and injuries to key personnel. Fans are speculating whether general manager Dan Morgan could blow things up and embark on a full-scale rebuild at long last.

That would be drastic, but the Panthers don't have the quality needed to just retool. This won't be going unnoticed by contending teams around the league, who could see this as an opportunity to acquire some of the few decent players Carolina has if the right offer is made.

Jaycee Horn would be an outstanding addition to the Washington Commanders. He's a legitimate shutdown cornerback capable of locking down one side of the field with ease. The former first-round pick out of South Carolina is also proving his health this season, which is the biggest positive above all else.

Joe Person from The Athletic believes the Panthers could sell Horn to the highest bidder. It won't be cheap and the cornerback needs to be paid on an upcoming extension, but this would be a home-run hit in no uncertain terms.

Commanders could trade for Maxx Crosby

Now for the biggest, boldest move the Commanders could make before the 2024 trade deadline. Something that would send shockwaves across the entire league for good measure.

Things are unraveling quickly for the Las Vegas Raiders under new head coach Antonio Pierce. Losing to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3 came with questions about certain players making business decisions. There is no answer at the quarterback position. All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams has already been traded to the New York Jets.

This could be the start of something bigger. Maxx Crosby would be in high demand if the Raiders did become receptive to offers. The phenomenal edge rusher has the talent and mentality to fit seamlessly into Dan Quinn's ambitious project. It's also worth remembering he's still just 27 years old.

Trading Crosby isn't something the Raiders are contemplating. This sort of lavish move might be a step too far for the Commanders at this stage of their rebuild. At the same time, the impact he could make on this waking giant would be nothing short of staggering.

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