The Washington Commanders are in a tough spot ahead of the 2026 trade deadline. They are 2-5-1 and not out of the NFC East running yet, but losing to the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football would all but end their aspirations.
General manager Adam Peters hasn't been afraid to make trades in the past. The Commanders seemed much closer to contending then than they do now, which has led to more restraint from the front-office leader over the last year.
Fans always want action. It generates buzz for differing reasons. Incoming trades signal ambition, while outgoing moves are akin to waving the white flag on their ambitions for the campaign.
Just which way Peters goes is debatable.
The Commanders could acquire a young talent who can help in the future, but that might not move the needle much. They could take this opportunity to sell off assets, but someone would need to be interested, and Washington lost its two biggest trade chips — wide receiver Terry McLaurin and defensive lineman Daron Payne — to season-ending injuries.
Standing pat seems the likeliest route. Peters has made his bed for now, and the Commanders' roster isn't strong enough to lose any more key pieces. Not exactly ideal, but they are in proverbial purgatory until further notice.
However, if the Commanders do eventually decide to get active, here are seven moves they should still consider.
Trade deadline moves the Washington Commanders could still consider with their hopes fading
Commanders could trade Marcus Mariota
Jayden Daniels is back under center. He's going through some difficulties, but he remains the Washington Commanders' franchise player. They also have seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis, who got some action earlier this season and flashed brief promise.
Marcus Mariota is also back after a spell out for a sprained MCL. He's a dependable veteran widely regarded as one of the league's best backups. However, there are teams looking for quarterback help, and one in particular might be desperate enough to make Peters an offer he can't refuse.
The Minnesota Vikings traded away J.J. McCarthy. Kyler Murray is injured, but he was underperforming before that. Carson Wentz got the start on Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills, but the former Washington signal-caller failed miserably.
Minnesota needs to act fast. They are on a two-game losing streak after starting the season 6-0, spearheaded by an elite defense. They desperately need stability at football's most important position, and Mariota could step in immediately to help in Kevin O'Connell's offensive scheme.
Something to think about in the coming hours...
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