What bombshell trade offers could the Washington Commanders make if those in power decide to go for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft?
The Washington Commanders have a big offseason ahead. They have the league's most salary-cap space as it stands - which could increase further once restructured and sacrifices come to light. Those in power also have a plethora of draft picks to further bolster their chances of a quick turnaround.
General manager Adam Peters made no secret of his desire to build through the draft and supplement through free agency. This is the more traditional route to NFL prosperity. But a recent turn of events fanned the flames about something a little bolder on the immediate horizon.
After Magic Johnson's silver tongue convinced Kliff Kingsbury to spurn the Las Vegas Raiders' advances to become the team's new offensive coordinator, speculation was rampant. This centered on the play-caller's close relationship with quarterback Caleb Williams, widely regarded to be the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Williams hails from the DC area is is a known Washington fan. This would be a dream come true for the promising signal-caller. Unfortunately, the Chicago Bears hold all the cards from atop the draft for a second straight year.
The Bears have a big decision to make. Either they move forward with Justin Fields and trade the pick or take Williams and look to get some decent capital in return for the former Ohio State standout.
This is a fascinating dynamic to monitor closely as the offseason unfolds. If the Bears start taking calls, here are three bombshell trades the Commanders might offer to shift up one spot in the pecking order.
If you want to score a big payday before the draft, FanDuel Sportsbook has a $200 bonus available for any $5 winning bet! Just sign up, deposit at least $10 and bet $5 or more on any game and you'll receive an additional $200 in bonus bets if you win. Sign up for FanDuel today!
Commanders trade offer No. 1
Some of the trades being touted by Chicago Bears fans hoping for another king's ransom for the top pick are laughable. The Washington Commanders are not looking to move up from No. 9 as the Carolina Panthers did for Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young in 2023. They are not surging from No. 12 to No. 3 - a move made by the San Francisco 49ers to get quarterback Trey Lance.
While the compensation will be expensive - especially with the prize being Caleb Williams - it should be affordable. The Bears have all the leverage right now. Make no mistake, they won't be showing their hand until the last minute in pursuit of generating maximum value if they opt to move forward with Justin Fields.
This trade was recently projected by Pro Football Focus. It involved the Commanders swapping their first-round pick with the Bears this year. Those in power would also part ways with the No. 36 overall selection and their first-rounder in 2025. While it's a lot to sacrifice, it's not nearly as much as people seem to think jumping one position is going to cost.
If there was ever a time for the Commanders to make such a move, it's now. They have new ownership looking to make a splash and provide hope for the future. They are also rich in draft assets after trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the deadline. This move ensures they lose just one pick this year, leaving them with the chance to draft Williams and seven other selections to utilize.
Commanders trade offer No. 2
Adam Peters is a shrewd front-office operator. He's been part of championship organizations before. His sterling work behind the scenes played a significant part in the San Francisco 49ers reaching another Super Bowl this season. If he decides going up for quarterback Caleb Williams is the best thing for this franchise's future, the general manager should be trusted.
One thing that could complicate matters is Peters' intent to build through the draft and supplement through free agency. Parting ways with the capital accumulated is a risk. But as stated previously, there needs to be a consensus belief that Williams is the genuine franchise-caliber quarterback capable of getting the Washington Commanders back to prominence.
Could the Commanders accomplish this trade without giving up their first-round selection next year? It does seem unlikely all things considered, but Peters has enough high-end capital to make the Chicago Bears think twice.
Offering the first-round swap in 2023, both of Washington's second-rounders - one of which was Chicago's originally after the Montez Sweat trade - and a third-rounder in 2025 would provoke a discussion if the Bears began taking calls. Whether it's enough remains to be seen.
The Commanders have a lot of holes to fill after another underwhelming campaign. Giving up so much is a gamble, but the rewards would be substantial if Williams reaches the lofty expectations projected.
Commanders trade offer No. 3
Having an abundance of capital to spend might not be enough to get the Washington Commanders from No. 2 overall to control the 2024 NFL Draft. Those in power need to weigh the pros and cons behind such a landmark move for quarterback Caleb Williams. Kliff Kingsbury will recommend it, although it's also worth remembering that Drake Maye also spent considerable time within an air raid-style offense during his successful college stint at North Carolina.
Offering an established veteran still in his prime might be enough to tip the scales in Washington's favor. Jonathan Allen's name immediately comes to the forefront in this scenario despite some encouraging signs surrounding his future after the Commanders hired Adam Peters and Dan Quinn.
Allen was frustrated beyond measure throughout the 2023 season. He made no secret of his intent to consider his future once the campaign concluded. While his stance may have altered thanks to the moves made this offseason, sacrificing him for a franchise quarterback seems like a no-brainer.
Just Allen won't be nearly enough to get this deal done. Throw in the 2025 first-round pick and the compensatory third-rounder acquired when the Commanders traded Chase Young to the San Francisco 49ers, and it could be a different story.
It's a big call for Peters to make - one that will tell us plenty about how he plans to go about his business in Washington. A fascinating few weeks await.