Training camp is just a few short days away, and there is a lot for the Washington Commanders to get through. But for general manager Adam Peters, he will always be thinking two steps ahead.
The competition for roster spots is probably better than at any stage of Peters' tenure so far. This was imperative to improve the Commanders' chances of responding positively to last season's setback, and the urgency was notably high throughout OTAs and minicamp. At the same time, the fun is just getting started.
Peters will be keeping a close eye on developments. He's constantly looking for ways to improve the roster, and his ruthless mindset is enough to keep everyone on edge. And if some players are clearly not part of the team's plans, he may even be able to bolster the Commanders' draft picks before final cuts are made.
This is something the Commanders have done in the past with players like wide receiver Jahan Dotson and defensive lineman John Ridgeway III. Obviously, you need a willing partner, but there is enough talent on Washington's roster to get interest after a busy offseason on the recruitment front.
With this in mind, here are six Commanders players who could be potential trade chips before Week 1.
Washington Commanders players who could spark a late-summer trade scramble
Jake Moody and Drew Stevens - Commanders PKs
Teams have been known to panic when it comes to the kicking position. This is something the Commanders could use to their advantage later in the summer.
The life of a kicker is day-to-day. One minute you're the toast of the town, and the next, you're placed on the chopping block. Teams are ruthless, and NFL history is littered with late summer trades for kickers who may be available.
Adam Peters did this with Cade York over his first offseason, striking a deal with the Cleveland Browns for a conditional seventh-round pick, but he lasted just one game before being cut. It's been a revolving door ever since, which provoked the Commanders into a legitimate battle between veteran Jake Moody and undrafted rookie Drew Stevens this summer.
It's too close to call right now, with both players staking a strong claim over Washington's offseason program. Moody has the experience, but Stevens has longer-term upside. Whoever falls behind in the pecking order could be traded for a conditional late-round pick before final cuts.
Moody will not be giving up his spot without a fight. He's well-versed in responding to challenges during a rollercoaster career so far. The Commanders thought enough of Stevens to give him a rookie contract when interest from elsewhere quickly emerged before rookie minicamp, and he's made a positive impact over his first few weeks with the franchise.
Head coach Dan Quinn wants to take this competition right through the preseason before making a call, but Peters would be wise to work the phones before outright cutting the loser of this intense battle.
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