General manager Adam Peters has some tough choices coming up. The Washington Commanders will be trimming their roster from 90 to 53 before Sunday's deadline. Some players will return to the practice squad, but for many, this is the end of the road.
Some position groups are stronger than others. Some cuts will be simpler than others. And given how many good players could be on the outside looking in, Peters should be making calls to see if a potential trade or two could be worked out.
Peters has moved away from incoming trades this offseason, opting for a more traditional route to building a roster. But if he can find a way to extract value from players who won't be around, that will only help Washington's outlook.
With this in mind, here are six Commanders players who could potentially become trade chips before or during final cuts.
Washington Commanders players who could become trade bait during final cuts
Treylon Burks - Commanders WR
The Commanders have some complicated decisions to figure out lower down their wide receiver depth chart. They have a surplus of talent, and there isn't enough space for everyone to make it. Some will feel aggrieved, and Adam Peters must handle this situation very carefully.
Exploring trade possibilities for those outside Washington's plans is imperative. Just who that'll be is the big question, but one or two would no doubt be on the chopping block.
Treylon Burks is among them. He joined the Commanders last season and flashed promise. Washington gave him a one-year deal that could be worth up to $4 million with incentives, but it's been a relatively quiet summer compared to others looking for places.
It would be surprising if Burks' name wasn't on the team, especially given how much offensive coordinator David Blough believes in him. But there are plenty of unknowns attached.
Jordan Magee - Commanders LB
There have been growing murmurs in some quarters of the media that Jordan Magee's place on the team is not guaranteed. The linebacker is buried behind Frankie Luvu, Leo Chenal, and Sonny Styles for reps on the defensive rotation. This would leave him fighting to become a depth piece and special-teams ace, which is certainly feasible with the athleticism he brings to the table.
The Commanders also have Ale Kaho and Kain Medrano fighting for the same role. There is an opening after Nick Bellore's retirement just before training camp, and both unheralded players have shone in the preseason.
In contrast, Magee is currently working his way back from injury, which is denying him vital reps to make a statement.
Could a situation emerge where the Commanders cut this experiment short and let Magee take his chances elsewhere? Perhaps, but it would be a big call to make. And there could be some trade interest if a willing suitor can be found.
There are a few teams around the league short of reliable linebackers. Magee wouldn't be classed as a sure thing by any stretch, but he's still got the physical upside to become something more.
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