5 trades the Commanders should consider to boost playoff chances in 2023
By Dean Jones
Commanders could trade for Garett Bolles
As previously stated, the offensive line might need a few tweaks for the Washington Commanders to take that next step and be discussed among the playoff hopefuls. Sam Howell's hesitancy to evade pressure in favor of taking sacks would also help, but no team should ever be truly content with starting or depth options in the trenches.
Good offensive linemen aren't normally made available for trade at this time of year. That's the nature of the beast - especially with so many injuries occurring around the league - so the deal would have to be right for the Commanders to contemplate such a move before the October 31 deadline.
One player that the Commanders might want to monitor is Garett Bolles. The ferocious edge presence has made his frustrations with how things are unfolding within the Denver Broncos known in uncertain terms, which could lead to the organization parting ways to bolster draft assets for what appears to be a huge project being undertaken by head coach Sean Payton.
Trading one of the league's most consistent left tackles would represent Denver throwing in the towel this season. Bolles has given up one sack through his first 355 offensive snaps in 2023, so the queue of suitors would be large if the Broncos did place him on the block.
There is also the small matter of the draft compensation and Bolles' massive contract to consider. But this sort of bold move would instantly upgrade the Commanders' protection, however unlikely it might be.