As teams get set for NFL free agency here, in just about a week's time, the Washington Commanders are in a good place. For a team that lacks draft capital, they currently have over $71 million in cap space, with room for even more.
An aging roster, at some positions, and a quarterback coming off an injury-ridden season in Jayden Daniels, the Commanders have some work to do. But, how about swinging a deal for one of the best running backs in football?
I know, it seems impossible -- but hang with me.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer recently shed some light on the Miami Dolphins' plans over the next couple weeks and had an interesting tidbit in this column about the franchise essentially keeping all options on the table, with all players.
"The Dolphins are going to listen to trade offers across their roster, as we’ve said. I do think there are a few guys, like De’Von Achane, that could end up getting extensions this offseason.
"But I don’t really see anyone who’s totally off limits for a team that’s going to be focused on reworking its roster through the draft, as it takes on the cap fallout of Tagovailoa’s impending departure."
Trading for a star player is going to be extremely difficult for the Commanders
I know most fan reactions, to something like this, will be right on point with the fact that Washington is already strapped for draft capital as it is. And, with an aging roster, that makes executing any trade somewhat of a pain, to be frank.
But, just imagine Achane and Daniels in the same back field for a moment.
OK, more on that in just a minute.
What would it take for Washington to realistically land a player like Achane? One has to assume that his trade value is around a second-round pick, if not a late first rounder. Washington does not own a pick in the second or fourth rounds, this year, but they have all of their capital in 2027.
Would they be willing to part with a second rounder in 2027?
Maybe the perfect scenario is if the Commanders were able to get Miami to agree to take a second-round pick in 2027 and then swap firsts this year. With Washington picking at no. 7 and the Dolphins at no. 11, Miami would move up and potentially be able to land a player that wouldn't last until the 11th pick.
The funniest outcome, here, would be for Miami to draft Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at no. 7, while netting a second rounder in the process. But, that's another story entirely.
For the Commanders, they get a truly elite running back in Achane. With Daniels' rushing ability, Achane would be a dream to have right there in the same back field.
Teams already know they have to watch out for Daniels taking off an running. What happens when you put a walking, talking first down at running back? Achane led the league with 5.7 yards per carry last season. He touches the ball twice, and your offense gets more than a first down, on average.
The read-option would be a complete chef's kiss, if you will.
What are defenses going to do? Who are they going to focus on for that split-second?
Achane's explosiveness combined with Daniels' prowess on the ground would equal nothing short of fireworks for this offense.
Now, it seems like a longshot. But, if Miami is not going to shut the door on the possibility of trading Achane, then it's only right for Washington to explore the possibility.