The Washington Commanders are still reeling from quarterback Jayden Daniels sustaining another dislocated elbow. Fans should know more about the return timeline over the next couple of days, but it would be surprising if the signal-caller wasn't set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
Speculation has risen about the next steps. Some have even touted a potential trade, with Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders firmly in the rumor mill in some media circles.
That is not the approach general manager Adam Peters should be taking. And if it is, that will not bode well for his chances of becoming the long-term leader of Washington's front office.
Commanders should not make a trade for anyone, including Shedeur Sanders
Sanders is currently backing up Deshaun Watson. There was hope he could return to the lineup in Week 3, but Cleveland's upset victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dampened that.
He'll be watching from the sidelines again, and Browns head coach Todd Monken clearly likes what the Clemson product is bringing to the table.
That makes Sanders a prime trade candidate before the deadline if a willing suitor can be found. But the Commanders should not be among the potential suitors — no matter what the prognosis is around Daniels.
Giving up draft capital for someone who might not move the needle at all just isn't smart. Sanders, or anyone else, would need time to learn offensive coordinator David Blough's system. Veteran backup Marcus Mariota already knows it, and he is deeply respected in the locker room for good measure.
Trading for anyone, Sanders included, would make an awful situation worse. But that hasn't stopped the rumors from swirling.
Commanders cannot be overly desperate amid Jayden Daniels' injury setback
Wynston Wilcox of FanSided is among those who think the Commanders trading for Sanders makes sense.
He put together a package that would send a fifth-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for the Colorado product and a seventh-rounder. And even though he wouldn't get an immediate start over Mariota, it gives him a chance to settle down in a more stable environment.
"Sanders getting with the Commanders means he gets a system that won’t disrespect him. Mariota is a veteran backup at this point in his career and they don’t need him to do anything other than fill in when needed. David Blough is in his first season as the offensive coordinator in Washington. He was brought in to aid the development of Daniels. Sanders could benefit from learning alongside Daniels in this quarterback room."
That makes a little more sense. But a third option is precisely why the Commanders spent a seventh-round pick on Athan Kaliakmanis, who flashed during the preseason.
If Mariota got hurt while Daniels was on the sidelines, the Commanders aren't going anywhere. Signing a veteran off the street to back up Kaliakmanis in this doomsday scenario would be more beneficial, and it would give the rookie a chance to gain valuable reps in a less-than-ideal situation.
Nobody is thinking about that now. Nobody even knows how long Daniels will be on the shelf, in all honesty. But trading for Sanders just reeks of desperation when calmer heads are needed.
If Sanders were a legitimate victim of circumstance, it may be a different story. However, the Browns gave him every chance to beat out Watson for the starting job this summer, and he didn't take it. And if his production was good enough last season, competition wouldn't even have been a discussion.
Couple this with the media attention Sanders gets, which is unheard of for a backup option, as Deion Sanders' son, just makes this a non-starter.
Not having Daniels is a bitter blow. Mariota is dependable, but it's just not the same. Still, this shouldn't push the Commanders into any trade.
If they need someone else, just sign a veteran. That is smarter and keeps the draft capital they'll need next offseason.
Anything less shows how much pressure is building behind the scenes.
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