The Washington Commanders threw their chips into the middle this offseason with two daring trades that surged them into win-now mode. Adam Peters was correct to take bigger risks, but the general manager should also know that it hasn't paid off.
Peters stood pat at the 2025 trade deadline. Fans weren't expecting fireworks, especially regarding incomings. It was surprising to see no departures, but either no offers arrived or the Commanders didn't receive any acceptable ones.
Washington is keeping faith with the current personnel. But it's hard not to look at their current state and think massive changes aren't coming during the offseason.
The Commanders have more than $84 million in projected salary-cap space, which could increase if contract restructures and early releases are agreed upon. They only have six selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, but that didn't stop one analyst from naming them as the ideal trade destination for a Pro Bowl wide receiver.
Commanders linked with bold offseason trade for Pro Bowl wideout Brian Thomas Jr.
Moe Moton from The Bleacher Report thought the Commanders could make a play for Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr. He's struggled in Year 2, and the AFC South club recently traded for Jakobi Meyers. There is also his close connection to Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels to factor in.
"If the Jaguars elevate [Travis] Hunter's status once he's healthy and [Jakobi] Meyers builds a strong rapport with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, [Brian] Thomas could be expendable. Regardless of how the 2025 season ends for Thomas, he would draw several suitors because of his impressive first year in the league. Teams will be more than willing to trade a first-rounder and more to feature him in the passing attack."Moe Moton
Daniels would no doubt love to link up with Thomas again. The pair thrived together at LSU, where the dynamic signal-caller won the Heisman Trophy. This has the scope to galvanize the pass-catcher's career, but it could also backfire badly.
The Commanders have needs; tons of them. Adding a wide receiver would be high on the list, but giving up high-end draft capital for Thomas or anyone else is a non-starter.
Peters doesn't have a second-round pick due to the Laremy Tunsil trade. He doesn't have a fourth-rounder as part of the Marshon Lattimore compensation. Even if the Commanders wanted Thomas, they might not have had the assets to get a deal done. And this would impact how Washington addressed other glaring problems, such as linebacker, edge rusher, and secondary.
Thomas didn't become a bad player overnight. He's dealing with some confidence issues, but his rookie surge would make him a hot commodity if the Jaguars became receptive to offers. Even so, the Commanders have to move away from trades and focus on a more traditional method of building a competitive roster.
If things had gone better this season, it's a different story. Sadly, that's not the case.