Would the Washington Commanders actually sell at the upcoming NFL trade deadline?
With so many pending free agents in 2024, the Commanders could have some interesting decisions to make by next week’s trade deadline. At 3-4, Washington hosts the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The Eagles are a touchdown favorite over the Commanders.
Among Washington’s upcoming free agents are defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat, safety Kamren Curl, cornerback Kendall Fuller, wide receiver Curtis Samuel and running back Antonio Gibson. Any of these players could help a contender this season.
But would Washington, with head coach Ron Rivera on the hot seat, actually sell at the trade deadline? Remember, as of now, Rivera is still over football decisions, although it’s likely new owner Josh Harris and his partners would have the final say on whether anyone is traded or not, especially high-profile players such as Sweat or Young.
On Monday, Ben Standig of The Athletic reported the Commanders haven’t opened contract negotiations with either Sweat or Young. That would be surprising if Washington wasn’t under new ownership. It makes sense for the Commanders to wait until after the season when they’ll likely have a new front office and coaching staff, to determine which players receive long-term contracts.
We’ve heard many times Washington wanted to extend Sweat and Curl. However, the team sale kept those conversations from happening over the offseason.
ESPN has reported that while Sweat and Young weren’t being shopped, the Commanders would listen to potential offers. Standig repeated the same, saying a high-ranking front-office executive from another franchise believes the Commanders will sell at the deadline and the two pass rushers are “available.”
It’s all about value. If the Commanders do not trade Sweat and Young and they leave in the offseason, Washington would receive a 2025 third-round compensatory pick for each. That’s not enough for players of their caliber, but if Washington could receive more at next week’s deadline, perhaps it will make a move.
It should be an interesting week in Ashburn, with the Commanders facing the Eagles in Week 8.