The Washington Commanders' offseason centered around two blockbuster offensive trades to put the right pieces around quarterback Jayden Daniels. A different approach is probably needed this time around, but that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from swirling regardless.
General manager Adam Peters was right to push all his chips into the middle. The Commanders were riding on the crest of a wave, having made the NFC Championship game. And for all the team's faults in 2025, wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and elite left tackle Laremy Tunsil emerged as legitimate bright spots amid the doom and gloom.
Samuel is a free agent and may not return. Tunsil will get a long-term contract, and his deal could even reset the offensive tackle market. But with another trade acquisition — cornerback Marshon Lattimore — set for a release, Peters may want to pause on any more until the Commanders are on a sounder footing.
Commanders urged to go bold with daring Brian Thomas Jr. trade
However, if Peters is tempted to make another trade, Alex Ballentine of The Bleacher Report thought calling the Jacksonville Jaguars to reunite Daniels with former LSU teammate Brian Thomas Jr. could be a win-win for everybody.
"They should also be calling the Jacksonville Jaguars to ensure that they have plans to feature Brian Thomas Jr. next season. The second-year receiver saw a major dip in production after a stellar rookie season. He had a great connection with Jayden Daniels when they were teammates at LSU. Pairing quarterbacks with their former college targets has worked out well for teams recently. The Commanders should be willing to pay up to reunite Thomas with Daniels if the Jags are looking to trade him."Alex Ballentine
This would likely get Daniels' seal of approval. The pair developed a strong bond in college, and their on-field connection led to both becoming first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. There are concerns about Thomas' diminished influence last season in Jacksonville, especially after they traded for Jakobi Meyers, so this may not be a risk the Commanders are willing to take.
Jacksonville is also unlikely to give up Thomas on the cheap. He's only entering Year 3, and his rookie campaign of 1,287 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns from 87 receptions should ensure they are able to drive a hard bargain.
Considering the lack of disposable draft assets Washington has, a trade for Thomas — or anyone else, for that matter — seems like a non-starter. Nothing should be completely dismissed, but it's time for Peters to start building the right way.
If the Commanders had gone deep into the playoffs again, it would be a different story. Sadly, that wasn't the case.