The Washington Commanders are in a complex position heading into the 2026 trade deadline. Things haven't gone well so far this season, but head coach Dan Quinn's squad could still win the NFC East, however unlikely that might be.
But if the Commanders don't win any of their next two games, or potentially even just one, general manager Adam Peters might think a little differently.
If the Commanders feel particularly bullish, they couldn't completely dismiss an incoming trade for a young player with contract control. However, they are more likely to sell rather than buy until results on the field improve.
League activity has already begun, with the Indianapolis Colts trading offensive lineman Quenton Nelson and defensive lineman DeForest Buckner to focus on the future. Peters and Quinn may not be so willing to throw in the towel, but if they cannot beat the plunging Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football, the Commanders have no other choice.
In this scenario, teams typically look to remove expiring contracts. Getting something in return now rather than losing them for nothing seems smart, and productive veterans on short-term rentals always draw interest.
With that in mind, here are six expiring contracts the Commanders could potentially shed before the 20026 trade deadline.
Expiring contracts the Washington Commanders could shed before the 2026 trade deadline
K'Lavon Chaisson - Commanders OLB
K'Lavon Chaisson bet on himself with the Commanders this offseason. The edge rusher came off a breakout campaign and signed a one-year deal in Washington rather than taking more long-term security from the New Orleans Saints.
Another big year would have seen Chaisson command a significant amount on another new deal in 2027. He's been solid if unspectacular for the Commanders so far, but there is smoke building around Washington getting calls for the 2020 first-round pick out of LSU.
Whether something concrete emerges from these rumors is debatable. The Commanders need all the help they can get, and trading anyone sends the wrong message. But if Peters decides that he won't be paying Chaisson, it becomes much more feasible.
If the Commanders can get a mid-round pick for Chaisson, that may be difficult to turn down. Especially given he could leave for free next spring.
Dyami Brown - Commanders WR
The Commanders gave wide receiver Dyami Brown another shot this offseason. His one-year wth the Jacksonville Jaguars fizzled out, but Adam Peters thought there was still some untapped potential to unlock in the pass-catcher.
Brown has always had the physical tools. He always stands out during the summer. Maintaining that consistency when the real action arrives has proved difficult throughout his career, and the same trend has continued this season.
The 2021 third-round pick out of North Carolina simply cannot be trusted to come through when it counts. Brown is now on the fringes, so Peters could decide to take any offer that comes along for the wideout.
Several teams across the NFL are crying out for receiver help. Whether they'd consider Brown a viable option is another matter, but even with Terry McLaurin out for the season with a torn patellar tendon, the Commanders should be open to offers.
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