Commanders trade outlines supreme confidence in defensive tackle duo

There hasn't been time to take a breath for Adam Peters over the last few days. The respected front-office figure is still in the process of molding the Washington Commanders roster into a unit that can be more competitive in 2024. He's working towards a long-term plan, but the general manager is also making the moves needed to ensure pride is restored in the short term.

Nobody aside from a select few was safe. The dynamic changed a lot throughout the summer as players came to the fore or wilted with the spotlight glaring. Much has been made about Peters' desire to remove underperforming draft picks made by Ron Rivera. However, everyone was seemingly on edge the further down the depth chart you went.

Another example of this came when John Ridgeway III was traded to the New Orleans Saints. Reports surfaced around Washington making the defensive tackle available for a switch if the price was right shortly before final cuts. Interest was reportedly higher than many expected, which meant waiving the player before Tuesday's deadline was simply not an option.

Commanders trade highlights supreme confidence in defensive tackle duo

This gave Peters some extra time to work out the incidentals with a willing suitor. The Commanders received a sixth-round pick in exchange for Rideway and a seventh-rounder. Not a bad deal for someone who was probably going to get cut all things considered.

It brings an end to the popular figure's time in Washington, which was solid but never enough to firmly establish himself. Peters also believes this is a good chance for him to play more in a scheme more suited to his strengths based on comments via John Keim of ESPN.

"There was a lot of interest in him…. good opportunity for him to go somewhere and play more probably than here and a scheme that fits him a little more."

- Adam Peters via X

Trading away Ridgeway strengthens the Commanders' offseason plans in 2025 as part of Peters' ethos to build through the draft and supplement any remaining needs in free agency. It also highlights the confidence in the defensive tackles slated to start the season behind the starting tandem of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.

Rookie lineman Johnny Newton endured a frustrating offseason due to injury. Trading Ridgeway indicates he could be ready for Washington's regular-season opener, although the Commanders will err on the side of caution with the second-round pick before he's ready to be unleashed fully.

The biggest beneficiary from Ridgeway's departure is Phidarian Mathis. He came into the offseason program with some significant questions to answer after underwhelming over his first two seasons. It took time to get going, but the former Alabama star has shown signs of life in recent weeks, especially in Washington's preseason finale against the New England Patriots.

There didn't seem much room for Ridgeway. Peters got what he could for someone surplus to requirements. And he might not be done just yet with Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers firmly in their sights.

Watch this space.

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