Marcus Mariota - Commanders QB
This is a difficult one.
Marcus Mariota is currently on the shelf with a sprained MCL. The veteran quarterback is expected back after the bye week, but with Jayden Daniels also back in the mix, he'll be nothing more than a backup option.
Mariota is among the more trusted understudies around the league. He proved this again when Daniels suffered another dislocated elbow against the Dallas Cowboys, and if another team needs quarterback help in the coming weeks, they might give the Commanders a call.
Much would depend on Mariota's health. His injury was poorly timed, given the momentum he'd built against the Seattle Seahawks. But if Daniels gets hurt again, the season is gone anyway, so it might be worth giving seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis the reps instead.
A few teams are dealing with complications at football's most important position. And if the Commanders got a decent offer for Mariota, they might just consider it.
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
The Commanders have their star linebacker of the future in Sonny Styles. He's early in his career, but the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is already showing franchise-cornerstone traits after a blistering start to his professional journey.
This could also make Frankie Luvu expendable before the trade deadline if Washington's downward spiral continues.
Luvu's presence is needed. He's an inspirational leader, experienced organizer, and instinctive playmaker. The Washington State product is also out of contract next year, and if they aren't going to pay him, putting him on the trade block could help them get something back in return.
This would be drastic. Luvu seems closer to getting a new contract than being shipped out. With Leo Chenal on injured reserve with a fractured neck and Jordan Magee not the most reliable on the health front, it would have to be an offer Adam Peters couldn't refuse.
Daron Payne - Commanders DL
This is the one who's coming up in rumors more than anyone else.
Daron Payne is out of contract this offseason, and keeping him around will cost a lot. A compromise could extend his stay in Washington, but Adam Peters wanted him to earn another deal rather than give him one before the campaign.
Payne has flashed dominant traits this season, especially against the run. Consistency can sometimes be an issue, but he seems to be benefiting from Daronte Jones' 3-4 front.
However, if the Commanders' slump continues and they are forced to embrace another major roster overhaul, cashing in on Payne will be considered.
Insider reports suggest that Payne could have a market if the Commanders make him available. What compensation they would get in return is debatable, but in this scenario, it could be a Day 2 or high Day 3 pick.
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