Washington Commanders News - Sportsnaut

Washington Commanders complete blockbuster trade for 5x Pro Bowler

Andrew Buller-Russ — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:31:14 +0000

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Beginning his second year on the job, Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters has proven he’s not afraid to take a few swings on buy-low, high reward players. He’s already traded for Marshon Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowl cornerback. But he executed that deal in the middle of the season before the 2024 NFL trade deadline passed.

It turns out, the Commanders GM likes to swing blockbuster offseason trades too. We’ve already seen him add Deebo Samuel, a former All-Pro receiver. But now the Commanders have a five-time Pro Bowler joining the roster via trade too.

Washington Commanders trade for 5x Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil

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The Washington Commanders really are pushing all their chips into the middle of the table, taking advantage of superstar Jayden Daniels’ inexpensive contract. This time, they’re getting their franchise quarterback a new starting left tackle.

According to Sports Illustrated’s NFL insider Albert Breer, the Commanders are trading 2025 third and seventh-round picks plus 2026 second and fourth-round selections to the Houston Texans in exchange for Laremy Tunsil and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

The move is a significant upgrade for Washington’s offensive line, injecting a 30-year-old pass protector who’s coming off three consecutive Pro Bowl seasons. Tunsil ranked 23rd among 141 tackles graded by Pro Football Focus last season, grading as the NFL’s fourth-best pass-blocking offensive tackle.

He has a cap hit of $21.3 million in 2025 and $21.3 million in 2026 before becoming a free agent again. Yet, if all goes well, odds are the Commanders will be signing their new blindside protector to an extension in the next two years.

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NFL rumors: Insider predicts Washington Commanders target hidden gem pass rusher in free agency

Jason Burgos — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:03:43 +0000

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A notable NFL insider believes the Washington Commanders could be a potential suitor for an under-the-radar pass rusher with a high upside.

Heading into the 2024 NFL season, the last time Commanders fans saw their team be a better than .500 squad was over a decade ago. With a new head coach, general manager, owner, and franchise quarterback, the assumption was that this past season would be another rebuilding year.

However, the Commanders ended up being one of the best stories in the NFL last season as first round pick Jayden Daniels played at a Pro Bowl-level and helped guide the team to a stunning 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship game. That is why this is a big offseason for the team’s front office.

They are in striking distance of a Super Bowl trip and have to maximize upcoming seasons where Daniels is making rookie scale money. That is why they have to find the final pieces of a title contender in the draft and NFL free agency. Fortunately for Washington they have a boatload of money to spend, $67.7 million to be exact (via Over The Cap).

While the team has been linked to quite a few players already in various NFL rumors, one league insider believes they could be a contender for a high-upside pass rusher on the open market.

Washington Commanders to target Dayo Odeyingbo?

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“Indianapolis Colts DE Dayo Odeyingbo’s a name we raised in last week’s takeaways,” Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer wrote. “A super-sized edge, some team betting on the 25-year-old’s rise with 15.5 career sacks could wind up having to pay close to $20 million per year for him. The Commanders, who are looking for edge rushers, might be a fit.”

Despite getting the most starts of his career (14) in 2024, Odeyingbo regressed a bit this past season. However, he had a breakout season in 2023 as he posted 8.0 sacks and 38 tackles as part of the Colts front four rotation.

Dayo Odeyingbo stats (2024): 3 sacks, 31 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 17 QB hits

At just 25 years old, there is reason to believe the New York native has only scratched the surface of his potential. Being surrounded by pass rushers like Dante Fowler Jr. and Frankie Luvu in 2025 could give the youngster opportunities to evolve into a serious impact player for the Washington Commanders if they sign him.

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Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots reportedly competing for top OL

Matt Johnson — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:46:32 +0000

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The Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots are among the teams in the market for offensive line help heading into NFL free agency. With Trey Smith and Ronnie Stanley off the board, clubs are turning their focus to another veteran option poised to hit the open market.

Kansas City prevented Smith from hitting free agency, applying the franchise tag to him which he signed on Sunday. However, it forced the club to trade All-Pro guard Joe Thuney and there’s still a glaring need at offensive tackle. Meanwhile, the Patriots, Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals are also looking for help at both offensive tackle and guard

Related: NFL free agency predictions

There are plenty of options available at both spots. At offensive tackle, Cam Robinson is the best option with quality starters like Patrick Mekari, Dan Moore Jr., Tyron Smith and Jedrick Willis behind him. At guard, Will Fries is the best player available with Teven Jenkins, Mekhi Becton and Kevin Zeitler close behind. However, a veteran option has popped up in NFL rumors as a veteran option.

According to The Athletic‘s senior NFL reporter Dianna Russini, the Chiefs, Commanders, Patriots and Bengals have all shown interest in signing offensive tackle Morgan Moses

Moses, age 34, spent last season with the New York Jets. The 6-foot-6 offensive tackle started 14 games at right tackle, rating as one of the best pass protectors at his position. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just 2 sacks and 16 total pressures in 467 pass-blocking snaps last season. He’s also been a very good run blocker before the 2024 campaign.

New York also wants to re-sign Moses, but the number of suitors involved might complicate matters. If he wants to compete for a championship, the Chiefs, Bengals and Commanders all offer a more viable path to the Super Bowl. If he’s looking for the biggest payday possible, Washington and New England have the most cap space in the NFL.

Moses has spent his entire career at right tackle and would fill an obvious need for the Patriots, Bengals, Commanders, Patriots and Jets. Kansas City is a more interesting destination. Jawaan Taylor is currently the team’s right tackle, but he’s largely been a liability. While he could be benched in favor of Moses, that would mean carrying a $27.391 million cap hit on a player to serve as a reserve next season. It would still be an upgrade for the Chiefs offensive line, but it would come with a hefty cost.

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Washington Commanders exploring blockbuster trade for All-Pro defender

Andrew Buller-Russ — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 21:57:01 +0000

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After soaring from a last place team in the NFC East in 2023 to a 12-win team that reached the NFC Conference Championship in 2024, the Washington Commanders don’t have to make significant changes this offseason.

But that doesn’t mean they aren’t still targeting some impact additions as the Commanders look to capitalize on having a superstar quarterback on an affordable rookie contract. They’re even reportedly targeting one of the very best players available on the trade block.

Washington Commanders ‘among many teams’ pursuing Trey Hendrickson trade

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Earlier this week, defensive end Trey Hendrickson requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals. The reigning NFL sack leader is entering the final year of his contract and is set to have a cap hit of $18.6 million.

Yet, after recording a career-best 17.5 sacks, Hendrickson is expected to land a contract extension worth roughly $40 million per season. Of course, that agreement will have to happen with his new team after a trade is agreed upon.

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Washington Commanders are among several teams expected to have interest in trading for Hendrickson.

“The Commanders are among the many teams exploring a potential trade for Bengals All-Pro Trey Hendrickson, per sources. Hendrickson was granted permission to seek a trade last Thursday by Cincinnati. One NFL executive shared, the Bengals are looking for ‘significant trade compensation in return’.”
The Athletic on Trey Hendrickson/Washington Commanders

Landing Hendrickson would fit the criteria of impact players the Commanders are reportedly looking for this offseason. After all, four-time Pro Bowlers at the peak of their athletic careers don’t hit the open market often.

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NFL rumors: Insider predicts Washington Commanders will sign four-time Pro Bowler from NFC East rival

Matt Higgins — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 18:30:00 +0000

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The Washington Commanders are looking to build upon a surprising 2024 season where they made an unexpected playoff push to the NFC Championship game.

Led by reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, the Commanders finished 12-5 and stunned the No. 1 NFC seed Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. They’ve already upgraded their offense, trading for former All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers, giving Daniels another playmaker and a very solid No. 2 wide receiver alongside Terry McLaurin.

However, the Commanders have significant holes to fill on the defensive front. They released two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, while edge rushers Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler Jr. remain free agents. According to OverTheCap.com, Washington holds $79.9 million in cap space, giving them plenty of flexibility to pursue top free agents.

That’s why one NFL insider is predicting Washington will sign a four-time Pro Bowl defensive end from an NFC East rival.

Insider: Washington Commanders will land defensive end coming off injury

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The Athletic’s Mike Jones predicts the Commanders will sign defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who has played his entire 11-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. The connection runs deeper than just talent — Lawrence thrived under Commanders head coach Dan Quinn during Quinn’s tenure as the Cowboys defensive coordinator.

“Edge rusher is one of the biggest needs on Washington’s defense and Lawrence can help in a big way,” Jones noted. “Lawrence, who played under Dan Quinn in Dallas from 2021 to 2023 and reached the Pro Bowl in back-to-back seasons, has averaged 7.4 sacks per season during his 11-year career.”

Lawrence only played four games in 2024 after suffering a Lisfranc injury to his right foot, but he’s expected to make a full recovery for the 2025 season.

“He’s coming off a season limited by a foot injury to four games, but now healthy again, Lawrence would make his presence felt in D.C.,” added Jones.

Over his 11 seasons in Dallas, Lawrence has accumulated impressive numbers: 61.5 sacks, 97 tackles for loss, 126 quarterback hits, 21 forced fumbles, and four Pro Bowl selections. His potential signing would give Washington’s defense an immediate boost as they look to build on last season’s success.

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NFL rumors identify 2 early suitors for Trey Hendrickson trade with Cincinnati Bengals

Matt Johnson — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 13:12:04 +0000

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The Cincinnati Bengals prevented wide receiver Tee Higgins from reaching NFL free agency by using the franchise tag on him for the second consecutive year. However, that decision could come at the cost of losing edge rusher Trey Hendrickson who surfaced in NFL rumors this week.

Hendrickson, a reigning Defensive Player of the Year finalist, is entering the last year of his contract. He briefly held out last summer in search of a long-term extension but the two sides never came close to a deal. Nearly a year later, the Bengals permitted him to seek a trade.

Trey Hendrickson stats: 54 pressures, 36 QB hits, 19 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

The 30-year-old edge rusher’s trade value is at an all-time high. He set career-highs in pressures (54) and quarterback hits (36) last season, leading the league in sacks (17.5). As the lone bright spot on one of the league’s worst defenses, he earned first-team All-Pro honors and finished second in DPOY voting. Now he’s looking for a new team.

According to FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons had already been monitoring Hendrickson’s situation in Cincinnati. Now that the Pro Bowl pass rusher can explore a trade to another team, Atlanta and Washington are expected to pursue a deal for him.

Trey Hendrickson contract (Spotrac): $18.666 million cap hit in 2025, NFL free agent in 2026

Other clubs – Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots – could also get involved. For now, the Falcons and Commanders are the only clubs actively linked in NFL rumors to a potential deal. This situation is also unlikely to play out as Matthew Stafford’s did with the Los Angeles Rams.

The Bengals simply don’t have the financial flexibility to have Hendrickson, Higgins, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase signed to market-setting contracts. It appears Cincinnati has chosen which of its core players it will be prioritizing, which could lead to Hendrickson being moved ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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NFL rumors: Insider boldly predicts Washington Commanders will acquire former Defensive Player of the Year player, but it’s not Myles Garrett

Matt Higgins — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 21:12:00 +0000

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The Washington Commanders haven’t been resting on their laurels following their stunning run to the NFC Championship Game. They’ve already made waves this offseason, and they might not be done yet.

Their trade for former All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel gives reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels another playmaker to pair with Terry McLaurin, potentially transforming Washington’s aerial attack. But while the offense gets supercharged, the defensive front is facing a serious overhaul.

Washington still boasts a whopping $64.2 million in cap space according to OverTheCap.com, but they’re staring down significant defensive departures. Edge rushers Clelin Ferrell (3.5 sacks in 2024) and Dante Fowler Jr. (10.5 sacks in 2024) hit free agency, leaving major holes in their pass rush. Further complicating matters, two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, who was limited to just eight games last season with a torn pectoral muscle, has formally requested a trade.

If the Commanders can’t find a suitable trade partner for Allen, they’ll likely release him — a move that would free up an additional $16.47 million in cap space.

With Washington potentially needing to rebuild their defensive front almost from scratch, one NFL insider believes the Commanders are poised to land a former Defensive Player of the Year. No, it’s not Myles Garrett — the Cleveland Browns have emphatically stated he’s not available — but someone who would be a good fit for Dan Quinn’s defense.

Insider predicts Washington Commanders will sign nine-time Pro Bowler

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ESPN’s Jason Reid predicts the Commanders will make a major splash by signing future Hall of Fame edge rusher Khalil Mack. The three-time first-team All-Pro made his ninth Pro Bowl in 2024, despite his production dipping from his dominant 2023 campaign.

Mack’s numbers did regress — from 17 sacks to six, 74 total tackles to 39, and 21 tackles for loss to six — but Reid sees the veteran as a perfect addition to Washington’s defensive scheme.

“A free agent for the first time in his career, Mack is a nine-time Pro Bowler, a four-time All-Pro (including three first-team selections) and was the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year,” Reid wrote. “Granted, Mack, who turned 34 on Feb. 22, isn’t the dominant game changer he once was, but he’s still capable of providing consistent pressure. And he would be a good fit in the aggressive defensive scheme that Commanders coach Dan Quinn utilizes.”

The fit makes perfect sense when you look at Washington’s defensive profile in 2024. The Commanders finished a respectable 13th in yards allowed per game (327.9), an impressive third in passing yards allowed per game (189.5), and middle-of-the-pack 18th in points allowed per game (23.0). Their glaring weakness? A porous run defense that ranked 30th, surrendering a staggering 137.5 rushing yards per game.

Adding the 34-year-old Mack would immediately bolster their pass rush and provide veteran leadership to a transforming front seven. However, even a player of Mack’s caliber can’t single-handedly fix Washington’s defensive issues — they’ll need to make several more strategic additions to truly solidify their defensive front and capitalize on their championship window while Daniels remains on his rookie contract.

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Washington Commanders insider suggests blockbuster trade to transform defense

Andrew Buller-Russ — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 20:57:30 +0000

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Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is a defensive specialist, yet the team finished with the 18th-ranked defense in 2024. While that was a significant leap over allowing the NFL’s most points in 2023, there’s still plenty of room for improvement in D.C.

However, the Commanders are in a good position thanks in part to Jayden Daniels becoming a full-blown superstar in his rookie season. Now, the Commanders are expected to aggressively target impact player upgrades this offseason, and one of them may be able to transform the defense.

Myles Garrett trade on Washington Commanders’ radar?

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The Washington Commanders already had the fifth-best scoring offense last season and that was with a rookie quarterback. So if they do get bold and target big name player upgrades, they’re more likely to come on the defensive side of the ball.

Recently, The Athletic’s Ben Standig banged the Myles Garrett trade drum for the Commanders, noting how the former Defensive Player of the Year winner could lead to significant improvement.

“The Commanders’ surprise run to the NFC Championship Game accelerates Washington’s rebuild timeline — as does sensational quarterback Jayden Daniels. The Offensive Rookie of the Year has two years on his rookie contract before becoming eligible for a contract extension. Does GM Adam Peters attack this significant opportunity or keep the methodical building plan heading into his second season with the franchise? Trading for Myles Garrett would significantly improve a limited defense while signing a free-agent wide receiver would give Daniels another playmaker. Given the significant salary cap space and their draft picks, it’s doable but also goes against Peters’ preferred roster-building route.”
The Athletic on Washington Commanders trade for Myles Garrett

While Garrett has requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns, his team has yet to admit they’re ready to listen to offers. Yet, that could change if the right team makes an offer that’s simply too good to refuse. Perhaps that team will be the Commanders.

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NFL rumors: Washington Commanders favorites to acquire former Defensive Player of the Year

Matt Higgins — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 22:37:10 +0000

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The Washington Commanders are a sleeper team no more after falling one game short of the Super Bowl.

Led by young star quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Offensive Rookie of the Year, the Commanders finished 12-5, upset the NFC’s No. 1 seed Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round, before falling to eventual Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game.

No one saw this success coming so quickly after the Commanders finished 4-13 and last in the NFC East in 2023.

However, selecting Daniels No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, bringing in new head coach Dan Quinn, and Dan Snyder finally giving up ownership, revitalized a franchise that was downtrodden for decades.

Now, the Commanders are looking to make a major push as they emerge as favorites to land a four-time All-Pro defensive player.

Washington Commanders emerge as leaders to acquire former Defensive Player of the Year

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According to The Athletic, the Commanders are favorites to trade for Cleveland Browns defensive superstar Myles Garrett, with FanDuel odds at +300.

Garrett, who has requested a trade from the Browns, would be an ideal fit for the Commanders as they look to make the leap to championship contender.

“I think Washington’s offer is best given that Cleveland also needs youth across its offensive line. Washington would be betting that the 2026 first-rounder would again be a late pick, but I think the Browns certainly would want a 2026 first-round selection,” writes The Athletic’s Zac Jackson. “The Commanders might get it done if they’d also throw in a late 2026 pick and take cornerback Greg Newsome II and his fully guaranteed $13 million 2025 fifth-year option off the Browns’ hands (and books).”

The Athletic suggests a trade package of 2025 and 2026 first-round picks, along with offensive tackle Brandon Coleman and defensive tackle Daron Payne could complete the deal.

Garrett would significantly improve a Commanders defense that ranked 13th overall in the NFL last season and finished 12th with 43 sacks. Garrett alone recorded 14 sacks in 2024.

In eight seasons with Cleveland, Garrett has amassed 102.5 sacks, 116 tackles for loss, 200 quarterback hits, 20 forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries.

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Washington Commanders emerge as betting favorites to trade for 4x All-Pro

Andrew Buller-Russ — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:44:41 +0000

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Reaching the NFC Conference Championship was never expected for the Washington Commanders this past season. Yet, head coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels managed to lead a sharp turnaround that will be remembered for years to come.

Now that the Commanders have arrived, expectations are that they’ll remain a contender, even in a competitive NFC East that features the reigning Super Bowl winners. Yet, the roster the Commanders had last year wasn’t good enough to accomplish all their goals, so which upgrades can they make?

Washington Commanders become favorites to trade for Myles Garrett

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If the Washington Commanders want to make a huge splash, they’d cash in their assets and make a play for a Myles Garrett trade.

The former Defensive Player of the Year winner has already requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns, and though they’ve been reluctant to grant his wish, they may realize they don’t have much of a choice. One thing the Garrett trade could accomplish is helping the Browns reset after mistakenly cashing all their assets in for Deshaun Watson.

If the Browns do give in and start considering their options to trade Garrett, the Commanders could emerge as one of their most ideal trade partners, especially since they’re not direct competitors as split-conference foes.

In fact, DraftKings has the Commanders as the betting favorites to trade for Garrett this offseason.

The Philadelphia Eagles and Browns are tied for second place, whereas the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears slot in next.

Washington has the draft assets to pull it off and roughly $90 million in projected cap space this offseason. If Cleveland is willing to listen, Washington should certainly consider going all out to trade for the four-time All-Pro.

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