NFL insider's touted trade candidate should put Commanders on red alert

The Washington Commanders have been ultra-aggressive with their roster construction this offseason. New general manager Adam Peters came in with a concise strategy and had everyone working towards one common goal. Their playing personnel looks almost unrecognizable from that which concluded the 2023 campaign. And this is just the start.

Peters and his staff will be busy in the coming days. Final cuts are currently taking place around the league ahead of Tuesday's deadline. Then, it's scouring the waiver wire or the established veteran pool for potential reinforcements that could help the Commanders make strides in 2024.

Washington is in a good spot to make things happen. They are No. 2 in the waiver wire priority order and have $35.9 million in available salary-cap space. Peters is also armed with additional draft capital after trading wide receiver Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dotson didn't fit into the new way of thinking and was moved on, which is fine. That either means Peters has confidence in the options available, or he's got something else up his sleeve that could potentially help rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels thrive in Year 1 of his professional career.

Commanders could attempt daring trade for John Metchie III

Jordan Schultz highlighted a potential trade candidate that might catch Peters' interest. The NFL insider revealed that teams are calling the Houston Texans about John Metchie III, who could be deemed surplus to requirements with so many prolific pass-catchers at the team's disposal.

"Multiple teams have reached out to the Texans to see if WR John Metchie III would be available in trade due to the plethora of receivers on their roster. It’s unclear if Houston would move him, but several teams are keeping a close eye. The former 2nd-round pick out of Alabama had 10 catches for 100 yards and a TD in the preseason."

- Jordan Schultz via X

Metchie was a prolific performer at Alabama before coming to the league. He's endured a rough opening to his NFL journey after being diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. His recovery went well, but the former second-round selection might be a victim of the numbers game in Houston following the arrival of Stefon Diggs.

This looks like a ready-made replacement for Dotson in terms of physical profile. There's not been much next-level production to speak of, although the mitigating circumstances attached are obvious. He's shown signs of his old form throughout the summer, but much will depend on what the Texans want in terms of compensation.

Interest is reportedly high around the league where Metchie is concerned. Houston's general manager Nick Caserio would be wise to start a bidding war if they decide to move the player. This transaction is cheaper than the Brandon Aiyuk trade that many Commanders fans want. At the same time, Peters is eager to stockpile picks as part of his long-term plan to get the franchise into contention.

It's a fine line.

The Commanders should do their due diligence if Metchie goes on the trade block. He's got the explosive traits and ability to create yards after the catch that could thrive in Kliff Kingsbury's offense. It's a shot in the dark to a certain extent, but Washington needs a legitimate X-factor not named Terry McLaurin capable of creating something out of nothing.

Watch this space, I guess.

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