Most NFL teams follow a simple rule when it comes to trades: You don't make deals with division rivals.
The Washington Commanders betrayed that principle two years ago in a deal that allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire All-Pro cornerback Cooper DeJean. It was an embarrassing moment for general manager Adam Peters, who gifted an NFC foe the chance to draft a superstar defender.
Chris Simms of NBC Sports thinks Peters could make a similar mistake in 2026. In his mock draft, he has the Commanders trading with the New York Giants to pick up Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. While Tate would be a nice addition, the move unnecessarily loads up a division rival with draft capital.
Commanders make reckless NFC East trade in latest mock draft
Simms wasn't shy about including trades in his mock draft. He had a total of five projected trades within the first round. But the Commanders' move to No. 5 might be the most egregious.
My first & only mock draft. This is where I think players WILL go, not where they SHOULD go. pic.twitter.com/Nx353E4vzH
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 20, 2026
While the details of the hypothetical trade aren't listed, it's likely that the Commanders would give up a mid-round pick to get the deal done. One major issue immediately takes this deal off the table. Washington doesn't have any second or fourth-round picks this year. If they gave up their lone third-rounder, they wouldn't be back on the clock until the fifth round.
With multiple holes still on the roster, Peters can't afford to give away draft capital to move up. If anything, he should be looking to move back.
Wide receiver is certainly a need. Outside of Terry McLaurin, the Commanders don't have any proven pass catchers currently on the roster. Tate would bring a major boost to this offense and ease the concerns about McLaurin's declining production. But there's no need to move up for him.
Even if the Commanders are worried that the Giants or Cleveland Browns will take Tate off the board, there are still other talented receivers worth taking in the first round. It would be irresponsible to trade up in this draft, especially with a division rival.
In this scenario, New York moves back to No. 7 and selects linebacker Sonny Styles, the player they likely would have picked at No. 5. The Giants come away looking like strategic masterminds, while Peters looks foolish.
As enticing as Tate may be as a prospect, the Commanders can't afford to make a move like this.
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