3 trades the Commanders should consider once sale receives approval
By Dean Jones
Which trades should the Washington Commanders consider to bolster their potential playoff hopes once the team's sale gets formal approval?
Although there are a number of important matters that require the Washington Commanders' immediate attention, head coach Ron Rivera stated that everything is currently on hold. Josh Harris' ownership group is in the closing stages before their $6.05 billion franchise purchase goes before other NFL owners for approval - something that could arrive in July and perhaps even before the team comes together for training camp.
This will kickstart Washington's new era without Dan Snyder's complete mismanagement. It might also allow Rivera the chance to make additional moves if his vision matches those within the incoming consortium.
Much will depend on whether the Commanders can free up any further funds on their salary cap and the veterans who become available at various cut stages. But if Rivera and Harris want to bolster their playoff hopes in 2023, examining a potential trade in a position of need is another distinct possibility.
With this in mind, here are three trades the Commanders should consider once the sale receives official league approval in the coming weeks.
Commanders could trade for Budda Baker
This might not seem like a great need considering the Washington Commanders have a dynamic young safety tandem in Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest, but Budda Baker is so much more than a backend presence. He's got rare gifts to impact proceedings all over the field, which is the sort of versatility that Ron Rivera values highly based on his recruitment since becoming head coach.
Jack Del Rio looks is projected to deploy plenty of two-linebacker sets next season based on current personnel. Trading for someone like Baker would provide veteran assurance and a high-level football IQ that allows him to be around the action consistently.
Baker is reportedly unhappy with the Arizona Cardinals, who look to be throwing in the towel on their 2023 chances. The compensation might be reasonable if the Commanders did put in a call, but it would have to be swiftly followed by a new contract, one suspects.
Considering the Commanders also have to pay Curl, acquiring Baker could be a bridge too far.