Daron Payne - Commanders DL
If one player is under more trade scrutiny than most, it's defensive lineman Daron Payne. The Washington Commanders haven't shown their hand yet, but if general manager Adam Peters decides to sell, this could be the likeliest candidate.
Payne is in a contract year. The Commanders didn't trade or release him this offseason, and Peters didn't enter negotiations for a new deal either. Everyone was seemingly on board with the plan, and the player has done relatively well so far this season.
At the same time, another lucrative commitment might be too steep for the Commanders, especially if they are embarking on another roster overhaul with a potential new head coach this offseason.
That would make Payne a prime trade candidate before the deadline. What the Commanders get in return might be the biggest stumbling block, given that DeForest Buckner only went for a fourth-round pick. The Alabama product is younger and more athletic, but he's not performed nearly as well as the three-time Pro Bowler.
The Commanders are holding firm, for now. Their next two games, or perhaps even this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles, will decide everything. But if Peters does end up being open for business, there is expected to be interest in Payne's talent.
Stefon Diggs - Commanders WR
Stefon Diggs got his dream homecoming this offseason. However, the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver also came to win.
The Commanders haven't done much of that since Diggs joined the franchise. If this disastrous run continues, a team or two could capitalize on these failures by trading for the experienced pass-catcher.
Diggs has baggage, but he's been the model professional in Washington. His leadership behind the scenes has been as important as his on-field production, and the team will need it more than ever with Terry McLaurin on the shelf.
Head coach Dan Quinn didn't expect Diggs' role to increase, but he instantly became the most dependable and productive receiver with McLaurin out of action. That makes trading him almost inconceivable, even if the Commanders cannot win any of their next two contests.
There isn't much smoke around Diggs being traded right now. Teams might be looking for someone younger and more explosive, but he is an elite separator who knows how to come through when the lights are brightest.
That carries a ton of weight. Even so, looking at the Commanders' receiving options without McLaurin, it would have to be a can't-refuse offer to even consider shipping him out.
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