4 bold predictions for Commanders' 2024 offseason
By Dean Jones
Commanders trade down, draft Jayden Daniels
One of the biggest objectives for the Washington Commanders this offseason centers on solving their complications at the quarterback position. Only Sam Howell is under contract in 2024. While some believe the former fifth-round selection deserves a proper evaluation after enduring significant difficulties this season, competition is coming in some capacity.
The Commanders have enough salary-cap space to go after a free agent or perhaps even pull off a trade of some sort. Given new general manager Adam Peters' intent to build through the draft, the new regime will likely examine all the top quarterback prospects emerging from the college ranks this spring.
Washington has the No. 2 overall selection. Much will depend on what the Chicago Bears have planned from atop the draft, but Peters is well-positioned to get one of the Commanders' preferred targets without any maneuvering.
It's also worth remembering that the Commanders are embarking on a rebuild. If Peters gets an offer he cannot refuse, then trading out of the pick is another realistic avenue to pursue.
In this scenario, someone like Jayden Daniels might be the pick a little further down the pecking order. The Heisman Trophy winner has significant momentum entering the assessment process after a standout final year at LSU. He's got all the traits normally associated with productive modern-day quarterbacks, but the Commanders cannot trade down too far with other needy teams around them.