The Washington Commanders are unlikely to make any trades regarding incomings this offseason. General manager Adam Peters pushed his chips into the middle last year, and it didn't pay off. However, one notable transaction around the league could have a knock-on effect on which prospects might be available at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the New York Jets are sending edge rusher Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat. It's a rare player-for-player trade with no draft picks thrown into the mix. It could also be a win-win for both parties if each defensive asset stays healthy.
This could also have massive ramifications before Washington goes on the clock in the first round.
Commanders feel further away from Ohio State prospect Arvell Reese than ever
The Jets hold the No. 2 pick. They already have a bendy edge rusher in Will McDonald IV, which would make David Bailey unrealistic. Now that they have stabilized the interior of Aaron Glenn's defense, adding some explosiveness alongside or behind him is imperative. That makes Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. or Ohio State's Arvell Reese among the most likely candidates.
It's unlikely that the Titans will be taking a pass-rusher with the No. 3 pick now. They could take do-it-all linebacker Reese if he's available. They may look to solidify the protection in front of quarterback Cam Ward with an offensive tackle like Spencer Fano. Robert Saleh may even look to a legitimate game-changer, such as safety Caleb Downs.
Adding Johnson doesn't solve every need for Tennessee. Even so, it provides the AFC South club with some extra draft flexibility.
It's shifted the landscape, but Peters will be ready for anything. A lot more could change things before the big night arrives. Free agency will dictate what the Commanders have planned, and that goes for everyone else around the league, too.
This trade gave some clues. Still, there should be an outstanding prospect for Washington to add, regardless of what goes on in front of them.
With only two picks in the first four rounds, there is enormous pressure on Peters to hit on the No. 7 pick. Trading down to acquire more assets couldn't be dismissed if the offer is good enough. But as New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh recently stated, it shouldn't be a need pick this high up in the order. Take the best prospect at the top of your board, and worry about the rest later.
This trade probably means Reese will be long gone. But in all honesty, that potential scenario was always likely in any case.