Fans are fed up. The Washington Commanders are drowning in the proverbial stench of their 2025 season, and they cannot wait for the next four games to end. Considering what this club was expected to accomplish, to say it's been a massive letdown would be an understatement.
An internal investigation must be conducted about why things went so wrong. One can point to the lackluster injury run as a legitimate reason for their regression, but it's not the only factor. Several beat writers who followed the team over training camp sensed something was off, and they were right. Now, it's down to general manager Adam Peters to make the moves needed to steady the ship.
It's a big job. The Commanders need to consolidate. They need to build for the future. That involves making some tough decisions about their pending free agents and those under contract in 2026.
Not everyone will agree with every decision, but Peters will have a plan. He also earned enough good graces during his first year at the helm to suggest he can navigate this turbulence and come out on the other end smiling.
With only six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the prospect of making some players available for trade couldn't be ruled out at this early juncture. On this topic, here are five lively candidates who could be placed on the trade block.
All financial figures courtesy of Over the Cap.
Painfully obvious Commanders trade chips that could flip the roster overnight
Will Harris - Commanders S
- Cap savings: $4 million
- Dead money: $1 million
The Washington Commanders missed Will Harris more than they probably thought possible when he got hurt in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders. It exposed the safety room's inexperience and inability to produce in high-stakes situations. Things tailed off dramatically, and it hasn't gotten much better since he returned to the fold.
Harris is under contract for another season. His flashes have been solid enough. He's also an outstanding communicator and leader. Still, nobody would be complaining much if general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn hit the reset button on their safety options when the offseason arrives.
It's a delicate situation. At the same time, the period for half-measures is over. Peters must be ruthless, and if that means exploring trade opportunities for Harris or someone else, it's a small price to pay for progress.
Whether there would be a market for Harris is anyone's guess. He is also unlikely to be the only defensive back on the chopping block next spring.