The Washington Commanders have added edge rusher Kyle Kennard to their practice squad. This raised a few eyebrows, especially since they look relatively well-stocked in this area of the field after significant investments during general manager Adam Peters' third offseason at the helm.
But could this understated move be laying the table for a potential outgoing before the trade deadline?
Unlikely, but the Commanders aren't leaving anything to chance.
Commanders could deal one of their edge rushers before the deadline
Speculation is obviously rising. The Commanders' approach will probably depend on how they fare over the next two games, but they do have some expiring contracts to move if willing suitors are there.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. and K'Lavon Chaisson are the best trade options if the Commanders decide on a fire sale.
They have previous production, and they are out of contract at the end of the season. Washington probably won't pay them both, and teams are always looking for quality pass-rushers to bolster their playoff hopes.
Armstrong and Chaisson are both playing meaningful reps. The Commanders won't throw in the towel willingly, but it's a fluid situation that could change in the blink of an eye.
Washington also has a chance to buy. That wouldn't be wise, but nothing should be completely dismissed.
And if Peters does ship out an edge rusher, Kennard could be a sneaky addition to the ranks if he finally lives up to his promise and avoids any more health problems.
Kyle Kennard is an intriguing addition to the Commanders if he stays healthy
Kennard was a hot commodity coming out of college. The South Carolina product was a one-man wrecking crew coming off the edge after transferring from Georgia Tech, winning the Bronko Nagurski Award after notching 11.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles.
Concerns about his lack of legitimate physical presence put off teams during the 2025 pre-draft process, but the Los Angeles Chargers thought they had a steal in the fourth round.
Things haven't gone as planned.
Kennard spent much of his rookie season on the shelf. When the same health problems continued this summer, the Chargers eventually waived him with an injury designation. He recently worked out for the Carolina Panthers without a deal arriving, and the Commanders opted to take the plunge soon after.
On his best day, Kennard is fast, explosive off the snap, and has the closing speed to disrupt the backfield. Just how much of this has been lost to injury remains to be seen, but it's not costing the Commanders much to find out one way or another.
This could be a contingency plan with Javontae Jean-Baptiste going to injured reserve.
But it might also be Peters covering his bases if an offer he can't refuse arrives for one of his veteran edge rushers before the deadline.
Kennard doesn't come close to Armstrong or Chaisson, of course. He's also still just 24 with everything ahead of him. Staying healthy is critical, but there won't be any immediate pressure for him to feature, giving him the chance to grow at his own pace and reach optimum fitness levels if his number is called.
If the Commanders make someone surplus to requirements before the deadline, that might be sooner than even Kennard thinks.
Add us as a preferred source on Google