Former GM with Adam Peters ties predicts outlandish Commanders trade tilt
By Dean Jones
Trade speculation continues to run rampant where the Washington Commanders are concerned. And for once, it's a good thing.
The trade deadline is fast approaching and the franchise is in a better position to make the postseason than most through seven weeks. There are still holes to fill in pursuit of taking that next step. Some fans believe general manager Adam Peters needs to be bold in this unexpected window of opportunity.
Peters won't become reactionary. He's got a concise strategy in place for sustained growth for this once-downtrodden franchise. The new front-office leader knows how to build a winner. He also knows one big splash in the trade market must only be done if there's genuine conviction it can help the Commanders make noise in the playoffs.
Washington's proven that it can hang with anybody through seven weeks. They gave the Baltimore Ravens a good run for their money and have ruthlessly disposed of struggling teams with minimal fuss. Some problem positions could help them back when it's all said and done, but Peters will have a good lay of the land by this point.
Whether that comes with notable incomings remains to be seen. One former general manager with ties to both Peters and head coach Dan Quinn believes Washington's new power couple could attempt a monumental trade that would shake the NFL to its foundations.
Former GM believes the Commanders should trade for Maxx Crosby
Thomas Dimitroff, who's worked with Quinn and Peters before, touted Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby as someone who fits the mold of what the Commanders are trying to build when speaking to Grant Paulsen from 106.7 The Fan.
"I know Dan Quinn loves legit pass-rushers. I'm talking game-breaking pass-rushers. To see a guy like Maxx Crosby come in there, pushing that, and continue to build, because they have a little bit of age on that pass-rush. I think that would be an ideal fit. I know everyone in Detroit wants him there. I know everyone in Atlanta would love him. But Maxx Crosby and Dan Quinn, you don't think the city would go nuts over that? I think that's an amazing throw-around."
- Thomas Dimitroff via Grant Paulsen/X
Crosby would be an astonishing addition. However, it looks like something that might not enter Peters' train of thought at this stage of his substantial rebuild.
The Raiders are in disarray right now. They don't have a competent quarterback. They traded wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets. Antonio Pierce has laid into his players in front of the media. A massive overhaul is needed to steady the ship and get this franchise trending up. That could involve parting ways with one of the league's most prolific and relentless edge defenders.
Reports suggest Las Vegas isn't entertaining the thought of trading Crosby. The player stated he's ready to win, which doesn't seem likely in his current place of employment. He's in peak physical condition in his prime and performing at an elite level. It wouldn't be cheap, but the Commanders' chances would improve exponentially if they landed someone with Pro Bowl credentials.
It's great to think about. At the same time, it doesn't seem like something Peters would consider in Year 1 of his tenure. This bears more significance when one examines how he approached the San Francisco 49ers' rebuild en route to perennial contention.
Peters and general manager John Lynch solidified the foundations first. Once they felt comfortable with the organization's direction, they were aggressive in the trade market and pulled off some remarkable deals for top-level performers. This is a method he's also deploying in Washington, which makes trading for someone like Crosby a step too far right now.
Anything can happen in the NFL, but Peters isn't going to make any deal if it doesn't benefit the Commanders or fit into his long-term proposals. It's that simple.