The Washington Commanders were extremely active in the trade market this offseason. One NFL analyst thought general manager Adam Peters could recoup some assets by parting ways with a proven veteran.
Peters went aggressive this offseason. He recognized that the Commanders were ahead of schedule. He knew how important maximizing quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract is after watching the No. 2 pick take the league by storm. It's a slight shift from his original plans, but the rewards could be substantial if everything comes together.
This was the correct path. The Commanders' window for another Super Bowl is open. Peters made the moves needed to give head coach Dan Quinn's squad a fighting chance of going one better next time around, but that won't be easy with a bigger bullseye on their back and the element of surprise gone.
There's no doubt Peters would like to acquire more picks. Most expect the Commanders to trade down at some stage, perhaps from No. 29 overall if a quarterback-needy team wants to go back into the first round for the luxury of a fifth-year option on their desired target. Ralph Vacchiano from FOX Sports had a different (and more baffling) theory.
NFL insider bizarrely touts Noah Brown as potential trade piece for Commanders
The NFL insider touted wide receiver Noah Brown as a potentially tradable piece for the Commanders. He thought the addition of Deebo Samuel Sr. and Luke McCaffrey's possible Year 2 growth makes the former Ohio State star expendable. And he also believes there could be a market if Peters seriously entertained the possibility.
"He's a really good veteran receiver to have on the roster, and he [Noah Brown] feels like a lock for 30 catches and 450-plus yards every year. But he's expendable now that the Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel. Plus, clearing him out makes room for Luke McCaffrey, last year's third-rounder, to emerge as the No. 3 receiver. The Commanders also signed Michael Gallup, so they're pretty loaded at this position. Plenty of teams would love a reliable veteran to fill their No. 3 role, just like the Commanders were when they acquired him from Houston last August."Ralph Vacchiano
This makes no sense. Brown recently re-signed on a one-year deal after flashing promise last season. Things ended sourly after a serious internal issue against the Tennessee Titans that required kidney surgery, but the Commanders gave him another shot to see if more would arrive with a full offseason with the franchise.
It won't stop the Commanders from drafting a wide receiver if the right opportunity comes along. Brown's ability to stretch the field and get defensive pass interference penalties consistently makes him an asset. There's also trust attached to the player, both from the coaching staff and Daniels, after a successful first campaign in Washington.
Peters doesn't want to remove talent. He's made a concerted effort to retain those who gave so much to the cause. He's turned over every stone to find upgrades. Trading a player who grew in stature last season isn't a realistic option.
If the Commanders get a decent offer to move down in the first or second rounds, that's a much more viable outcome to increase Peters' draft wealth.