Beat writer tempers Commanders' trade expectations before 2024 deadline

Adam Peters is in a strong position after his fantastic start to life as Washington Commanders general manager. The team is riding high at 5-2 after a better start than almost everyone thought possible. Couple this with how they are beating their opposition, and expectations are rightfully growing as a result.

Peters won't be overly concerned about what's going on outside the building. The Commanders have a long-term strategy under his leadership. They are unlikely to deviate from it, but the new front-office leader isn't afraid to pull the trigger if he feels like it's in the franchise's best interests.

These have been outgoings up to now. That could change with the trade deadline fast approaching. If the Commanders manage to beat the Chicago Bears and New York Giants before the November 5 cut-off point, it would be a surprise if Peters sat on his hands and did nothing.

Beat writer believes Commanders might stand pat at the trade deadline

Ben Standing of The Athletic believes the Commanders could end up standing pat when push comes to shove. However, the long-time beat writer thought that could change if someone younger becomes available or if Washington has the scope to improve depth in two key areas.

"Washington isn’t one player away from joining the league’s top tier, especially on defense, and has several long-term holes. Now, the caveats. If there’s a young player GM Adam Peters thinks is worthy of a multi-year contract and valuable draft picks, maybe. Same if the team is at least 6-3 by the deadline, which potentially became tricker with [Jayden] Daniels “week-to-week” with a rib injury. Make a deal involving late-round picks (swap or straight up) for a veteran CB or DL depth, let’s talk."

- Ben Standig, The Athletic

Rumors are always swirling at this stage of the season. Davante Adams and Amari Cooper have already been traded. More will undoubtedly be on the way, with high-profile names like Cooper Kupp reportedly being shopped as teams look to stockpile assets in readiness for the 2025 offseason.

This needs to be the right deal from Peters' perspective. The Commanders are a match for almost everyone - they've proven that already. But mortgaging the future for a proven veteran seems like a move that the old owner would have made with little regard for long-term stability.

There is a more balanced thought process these days. Peters knows what he's doing. He's been around winning organizations before and knows what it takes to build a contender. This project must result in sustainable growth rather than a phenomenal start with no genuine substance attached.

He trusted the new additions this offseason and it's paid off. The Commanders could ride it out as things stand, but injuries and coming to the fore more frequently and they are a long way from their bye week. Finding reinforcements at the right price could enhance their postseason hopes considerably.

Everyone is starting to look at the Commanders differently. This is a football operation moving with purpose and conviction in equal measure. Peters knows what a good deal looks like. He also knows how to extract it with the correct leverage attached.

Whether that'll result in any major incomings before the trade deadline is debatable. But it won't stop the speculation that's for sure.

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