Commanders News: Sam Howell, Kamren Curl, Montez Sweat and Week 9
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as those in power get set to make big decisions before the 2023 trade deadline?
The day of reckoning has arrived. For the Washington Commanders, navigating the 2023 trade deadline effectively is of critical importance with the team sitting at 3-5 and at a real crossroads surrounding their short and long-term future.
A fascinating few hours await. Until then, the stories causing conversation include the Commanders tabbed as underdogs in Week 9, Kamren Curl's future, what Washington might be able to extract for defensive end Montez Sweat, and Ron Rivera's positive outlook for second-year quarterback Sam Howell.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders don't plan to trade Kamren Curl
As previously stated, a scenario could emerge where the Washington Commanders become sellers in the final few hours before the trade deadline. Adam Schefter of ESPN stated that their approach would be determined by how they got on against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, which was a narrow loss after faltering down the stretch after a positive outing overall.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN recently revealed that the Commanders' focus is on attempting to shift some expiring contracts in pursuit of boosting their draft capital. However, one player they are reluctant to part ways with is star safety Kamren Curl.
The respected insider reported that the Commanders want to get Curl tied down to a long-term deal rather than move him on. This is a sensible approach regarding a player who's far exceeded expectations after coming in as a seventh-round selection out of Arkansas.
As the #Commanders sort through potential trade options, the focus is on players in contract years. One that I don't expect to be under consideration: Safety Kamren Curl. The team would prefer to sign him to an extension.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 30, 2023
Watch this space, I guess…