The Washington Commanders are more likely to be buying than selling before the 2024 trade deadline after a sensational opening to the campaign. This wasn't expected to be the case, which is a testament to how quickly things have turned around for this perennial struggler under the new regime.
General manager Adam Peters knows an opportunity awaits this squad over the second half of 2024. He'll also stick to his long-term plan. If there is a deal to be had - whether that involves incomings or even an outgoing or two - the new front office leader will act with conviction in the team's best interests.
It'll be an interesting few days before the November 5 cut-off point. Speculation is rampant about what reinforcements could potentially arrive. Nothing concrete has emerged one way or another as yet, so there's also a chance Peters stands pat and saves his assets for another pivotal offseason in 2025.
Insider believes the Commanders could trade safety Darrick Forrest
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN thought the Commanders could also let a former starting option who's now on the fringes take his chances elsewhere. The respected insider is keeping an eye on safety Darrick Forrest's status heading to the trade deadline, highlighting his need for a fresh start after becoming an afterthought under head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
"Veteran Buffalo safety Mike Edwards is available and would like to go somewhere he can play (he has been a steady inactive). Washington's Darrick Forrest is in a similar situation, a former starter who's out of the rotation and could need a fresh start elsewhere. Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah II, a former third-rounder who hasn't made an impact in Brian Flores' defense, is a trade candidate, too."Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Forrest is a curious case. He looks primed for a profitable career before an injury ended his 2023 campaign way ahead of time. As the player found out to his cost, the NFL waits for nobody.
The introduction of new decision-makers, a different defensive scheme, and improved standards saw the former Cincinnati star go from a confirmed starter to someone who's been a healthy scratch on countless occasions this season. Kamren Curl left in the offseason. Forrest could be next to go.
Washington is well stocked at the safety position. Jeremy Chinn and Quan Martin have come of age in recent weeks and look like a potential long-term partnership on the backend. They also have Jeremy Reaves and Percy Butler in reserve, playing an important role on special teams for good measure. Undrafted free agent Tyler Owens is being brought along gradually but has shown promise. That could make Forrest expendable when push comes to shove.
Much will depend on whether any interest arrives in Forrest. He's out of contract next spring and is unlikely to return. Teams might be reluctant to give up a draft asset for the defensive back, so there's a strong possibility he's still around once the deadline comes and goes.
Forrest would probably welcome a move away. But he might have to wait until 2025 free agency for that.