The Washington Commanders and general manager Adam Peters, in particular, have a big couple of days ahead. This team is way ahead of schedule in Year 1 of a drastic rebuild. They are 7-2 and atop the NFC East with only the Philadelphia Eagles as a legitimate threat to their hopes of securing the crown.
Philadelphia looks strong after an indifferent start. The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are in complete disarray. It's an unexpected opportunity, but it's something that Peters cannot waste with the trade deadline fast approaching.
The Commanders are reportedly making calls. Adam Schefter of ESPN also revealed that players are actively trying to join Washington for the first time in decades. They sense something special is building and want to be part of it. This was an astonishing development that captivated the team's long-suffering fanbase along the way.
That won't make it any easier for Peters to find the right fits, but it won't be for a lack of trying that's for sure. With this in mind, here are five last-ditch trades the Commanders should consider to cement their NFC East supremacy in 2024.
Last-ditch trades Commanders could make to cement NFC East supremacy
Commanders could trade for Jadeveon Clowney
Whether the Carolina Panthers securing their second win of the season alters their approach before the 2024 trade deadline remains to be seen. They're still among the bottom feeders and need to consider offers for players who don't fit into their long-term plans. There's also a growing sense around the league that Jadeveon Clowney could be moved if the price is right.
Clowney never lived up to the lofty heights anticipated as a generational edge rusher coming out of South Carolina. However, he's an exceptional presence against the run and has experience of being around winning organizations. That's what the Washington Commanders might be looking for to spearhead a potential postseason tilt.
The Commanders could decide that they have enough on the edge considering the emergence of Dante Fowler Jr. into a genuine pass-rushing force. Clowney is a good player who'd probably relish the chance to land on a contender, but the fact he's got another year left on his deal means Adam Peters could look elsewhere when it's all said and done.
Commanders could trade for Tre'Davious White
If reports from national insiders are to be believed, the Washington Commanders have focused their trade investigations on two position groups. Those in power are supposedly looking for another productive wide receiver to help rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. They could also use a more productive cornerback to cope with the superb passing attacks they'll be facing at the business end of the campaign.
One name to watch is Tre'Davious White. The prolific veteran is reportedly on the trade block as the Los Angeles Rams consolidate their precarious position. He's had some injury issues in recent years, but he was an All-Pro caliber performer at the peak of his powers.
Much will depend on the compensation involved. White only joined the Rams during the offseason and is already being deemed surplus to requirements. That means Adam Peters might be able to get a bargain, especially considering his ability to thrive in press-man coverage situations throughout his career.
Perhaps the Commanders would seek someone more dependable on the health front. But if they're looking for a short-term fix to give their secondary a shot in the arm, White will enter the discussion.
Commanders could trade for Mike Williams
When the New York Jets made their bombshell trade for All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams, there was always going to be collateral damage. That seems to be Mike Williams looking at his lack of involvement since the transaction became official.
Williams is another who's not enjoyed the best luck injury-wise in recent seasons. But at 6-foot-4 with the athleticism to match, he's a matchup nightmare when fit and firing on all cylinders.
The Commanders have someone similar, which could alter their thought process in this scenario. Noah Brown is starting to develop some encouraging chemistry with Jayden Daniels and performed well in Week 9 against the New York Giants. This seems like an ongoing trend rather than a flash in the pan, which could dictate a more possession-based target rather than a vertical weapon.
Options are a little thin on the ground after a flurry of wide receiver moves over the last fortnight. Williams could be the best remaining option, but that doesn't guarantee the Commanders will part ways with draft capital to acquire him.
Commanders could trade for Jonathan Jones
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders could use another cornerback capable of providing assured coverage. The unit is performing adequately enough versus middle to low-tier opposition. That won't be enough if this resurgent franchise wants to mix it with the NFL's best.
That might be something in their immediate future much to everyone's surprise so soon into the new regime's plans for the future. Giving up a draft pick to acquire someone with established credentials is worth the risk considering how expectations are increasing with every win.
Jonathan Jones is a name being hotly touted as a trade possibility before the deadline. The New England Patriots are going nowhere fast at 2-7, which was always likely under new head coach Jerod Mayo. The veteran cornerback and two-time Super Bowl winner could be made expendable as they look to recoup assets before the 2025 offseason.
Jones is 31 years old but still performing at a high level. He's been to the game's pinnacle and should fit into the Commanders' impressive culture shift seamlessly. This is also unlikely to cost the earth, which only increases the enticement.
Commanders could trade for Marshon Lattimore
This would be the highest-profile trade option by a considerable margin. It would also be the best looking at the exceptional talent Marshon Lattimore brings to the table.
The New Orleans Saints suffered an embarrassing seventh-straight loss in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers. Jordan Schultz from FOX Sports revealed that those in power could be willing to part ways with the shutdown cornerback to ease their upcoming salary-cap concerns in 2025.
Lattimore is young enough to be considered a long-term piece of Adam Peters' puzzle. The Commanders have enough spare financial resources to absorb the final two years of his deal. He'd also become their best man-to-man coverage option from the moment he stepped onto the field.
This would be a home-run hit by the Commanders in no uncertain terms. It might be a long shot, but the need to change expectations and maximize Jayden Daniels' rookie contract cannot be overstated.
An interesting few days await. And some big repercussions could emerge depending on what Peters does or doesn't do.