The Indianapolis Colts' fire sale has begun. Perennial Pro Bowl offensive lineman Quenton Nelson has been traded to the Seattle Seahawks, and more moves are reportedly imminent as the AFC South club restocks for the future.
And the Commanders could follow suit before the 2026 trade deadline.
Now, the Commanders and Colts are in different spots.
Colts' fire sale is underway, and the Commanders could follow suit
Indianapolis has already fired its general manager. They desperately need to stockpile picks after giving up a king's ransom for cornerback Sauce Gardner. That's blown up in their face, and ownership is now waving the white flag on their 2026 aspirations.
Defensive lineman DeForest Buckner and running back Jonathan Taylor are others who could be shipped out, and reports say nobody is off limits if the price is right.
The Commanders haven't moved anybody yet.
Peters and majority owner Josh Harris are seemingly willing to see how things play out over the next two games before deciding on anything. But if they cannot beat the free-falling Philadelphia Eagles, with the Los Angeles Rams up next in Week 9, some tough conversations must be had.
Indianapolis has already made up its mind. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon is going for a reset, and a market exists for some of their top stars.
Adam Peters has to think about the bigger picture is losses continue
Whether the same interest would follow some of Washington's players is debatable. But if they cannot gain a positive result this weekend on Sunday Night Football, Peters has to try.
Much bigger things are at stake than trying to salvage something from another lost season.
It's about the long-term picture. It's about consolidating, adding value, and building a competitive roster around quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Aside from Year 1, this project has flatlined. Just how much longer the Commanders keep things as they are before taking drastic measures is anyone's guess. However, if they're 1-5-1 after losing to the Eagles, the landscape changes.
The Colts recognized their dire situation and reacted accordingly. They probably didn't like it, but their grand plans to contend have fallen completely by the wayside.
Washington did something similar last year, trading for left tackle Laremy Tunsil, cornerback Marshon Lattimore, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. That also flopped, and the offseason changes just haven't produced the right results yet.
Commanders trade deadline delay could be even more costly
This is all about when the Commanders will admit defeat.
Peters might be too proud for that.
Harris trusts his general manager, but he also traded the starting defensive end duo of Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 deadline. It's a fine line, and any outgoings will tell fans everything they need to know about head coach Dan Quinn's future.
If the Commanders go down this route, it must be quickly.
There will only be so much interest, and the Colts won't be the only ones selling before the deadline. Waiting too long could see the well run dry, which adds to the urgency.
Quinn will be looking to avoid this at all costs. Colts head coach Shane Steichen was probably hoping for the same, but the decision was taken out of his hands.
Peters has the power to do the same.
However, this will require self-reflection and admitting he also made mistakes.
Easier said than done when egos and reputations are on the line. But another loss, and the choice might be taken out of Peters' hands, too.
Just win. That solves everything.
If not, selling is the only option.
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