Speculation remains rampant about what the Washington Commanders might have up their sleeve before the 2024 trade deadline. General manager Adam Peters has been more eager to consolidate his assets as part of the team's vision for the future. But with the team sitting at 5-2 through seven weeks, this could change quickly.
Peters won't be rash with his decision-making. He knows this is just the first year of a comprehensive rebuilding project. The new front-office leader won't jeopardize this unless it's the right deal for the sort of player that could fit into the team's long-term strategy. It's a good start and the Commanders are much further ahead than anyone anticipated, but there's a long way to go.
That hasn't stopped media and analysts from touting names aplenty who could be potential targets for the Commanders. Peters is reportedly making calls and is inquiring about potential additions in positions of need. Nothing has occurred as yet, so things could start heating up with under two weeks remaining until the November 5 cut-off point.
With this in mind, here are five bold trades the Commanders could make that fit into the organization's long-term plans before the deadline.
Bold trades the Commanders could make before 2024 deadline
Commanders could trade for Tutu Atwell
The Washington Commanders are reportedly looking to add another wide receiver. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN stated Adam Peters had inquired about Marquez Valdes-Scantling before he signed for the New Orleans Saints. He opted for a move elsewhere, but they are looking.
One potential addition with long-term upside is Tutu Atwell. He's been more involved with the Los Angeles Rams this season and has performed well thanks to Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacau going down with injuries. With the prolific duo nearing a return, the former second-round selection could go down the pecking order once again.
Atwell is in the final year of his rookie deal and recently turned 25 years old. This would be a prove-it scenario for the player. But the Commanders have the spare financial resources to offer him an extension if the pass-catcher proves his worth over the second half of 2024.
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.
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.