Trade candidate's cryptic post should put Commanders on high alert

Adam Peters had to reinforce his pass-rushing options as a matter of urgency this offseason. The Washington Commanders generated no consistent pressure after trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat before the 2023 deadline. They got some much-needed draft capital out of it, but replacing them effectively was paramount to avoid similar complications under the new regime.

The Commanders added experience with the signings of Dorance Armstrong Jr., Clelin Ferrell, and Dante Fowler Jr. Those in power are looking to deploy Jamin Davis more on the edge following the arrivals of Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner to the defensive second level. Hopes remain high that K.J. Henry can develop further after flashing moments of quality during his rookie year.

Things look more positive, but Peters won't stand still. If he feels like the Commanders need a more prolific threat capable of becoming the focal point of opposing protection schemes, the new front-office leader won't hesitate.

How Peters would go about this is another matter. He'll be examining the waiver wire once good players start getting released. A few intriguing options remain on the free-agent market. There's even the prospect of examining trade possibilities to further raise intrigue.

Commanders should monitor Matthew Judon's situation after cryptic social media post

There seems to be a situation brewing between Matthew Judon and the New England Patriots. The dominant edge presence is reportedly looking for a new deal that hasn't arrived as yet. His cryptic social media post recently hinted that a move could be imminent unless something changes.

This would be a dream come true for the Commanders. Judon's one of the league's most prolific sack generators. He missed a lot of football last season and will be 33 years old during the upcoming campaign, but bringing him to the nation's capital instantly upgrades a unit in desperate need of consistency.

If the Patriots become receptive to trading Judon, the queue of potential suitors should be large. Whether it's something Peters contemplates at this stage of his ambitious rebuilding project is another matter.

The Commanders have enough financial resources to make Judon a decent offer on his new deal. However, giving up additional draft capital for the privilege seems to be the biggest stumbling block.

Peters wants to build through the draft and supplement any remaining needs in free agency. The Commanders have just six selections at their disposal in 2025. Sacrificing one or two to acquire an aging player such as Judon might not enter the general manager's thought process.

There's no doubt Judon would help enormously. The former fifth-round selection is explosive, can set the edge on running downs, and looks tailor-made for Dan Quinn's creative scheme. However, this seems like a win-now move when the Commanders are in an obvious transition phase.

That's what makes it highly unlikely. Peters would be wise to monitor developments as all good general managers do. But it would be a bombshell of epic proportions if something more substantial emerged looking at the current state of affairs.

Adding Judon to a defensive front that also includes Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Armstrong, and second-round pick Johnny Newton is mouth-watering. Just don't put your house on it.