Commanders could sign Will Hernandez
Losing Sam Cosmi to a torn ACL was devastating news for the Washington Commanders. The stud right guard went down during the divisional-round success at the Detroit Lions and was sorely missed in the NFC Championship game. Anyone expecting him back anytime soon will be out of luck.
Looking at the typical timeline of ACL recoveries, the Commanders might not have Cosmi's services in 2025. There's a chance the former second-round pick out of Texas comes back sooner, but general manager Adam Peters cannot leave anything to chance.
They need to find another right guard. The Commanders need someone who can slot into the lineup immediately. If they have scheme familiarity, that's a bonus.
Will Hernandez ticks those boxes and is a former associate of Kliff Kingsbury's from their time with the Cardinals. The interior protector was playing at a high level in 2024 before a knee injury ended his campaign ahead of time. However, he's on track to make a full recovery.
Hernandez is among the league's most accomplished guards in pass protection. His aggressiveness makes him a force on running plays and knowing Kingsbury's demands will also assist greatly. If he's willing to accept a short-term deal and everything checks out medically, the Commanders should pull the trigger.
Commanders could trade for Christian Kirk
Christian Kirk would be a contentious acquisition for the Commanders. But nothing should be off the table right now.
The wide receiver played under Kliff Kingsbury with the Cardinals. Kirk did so well that the Jacksonville Jaguars came calling with a megabucks offer in free agency that was too good to turn down.
After a strong first season in Jacksonville where he went over 1,000 receiving yards, Kirk's influence waned. Injuries haven't helped and the flip-flopping of coordinators didn't do any good either. However, there are risks attached if the Commanders go down this route.
Kirk fits into Kingsbury's scheme and would be a nice complimentary piece alongside Terry McLaurin. He's a playmaker and a red-zone threat. He can get open quickly and provide his quarterback with good throwing lanes. His previous production when healthy speaks for itself.
Giving up draft compensation and taking on Kirk's salary in the final year of his deal for an unreliable option on the health front might not be in Washington's train of thought. But again, there's just no telling for sure right now.
Kirk was reportedly on the trade block before the deadline but got hurt just when momentum for a move was building. The Commanders might be willing to throw a late-round pick at the Jaguars in the hope he can flourish under Kingsbury's guidance once again.