10 Washington Commanders trades to boost Super Bowl odds this season

By Andrew Buller-Russ

·Updated: October 30, 2024

No one expected it before the season kicked off, but the Washington Commanders are one of the best teams in the NFL. With the Nov. 5 NFL trade deadline approaching fast, many want to know whether any of the latest Commanders rumors will become reality.

While we’re always refreshing Commanders news, looking for the latest nuggets, it’s time to look at 10 Commanders trades to help boost Washington’s Super Bowl odds this season.

Washington Commanders trade for receiver Courtland Sutton

Knowing they’d need another complementary option to go with Terry McLaurin, the previous Commanders regime selected Jahan Dotson in the first round back in 2022. Yet, Washington’s new decision-makers quickly realized the former 16th overall pick wasn’t worth the trouble. But the Commanders still need another player with big-play potential, and Denver’s Courtland Sutton could be an ideal solution. The 6-foot-4 receiver would give Jayden Daniels yet another red zone threat, but this one’s capable of going over the top of every defender in his path.

Commanders buy low on Adam Thielen

If the Commanders aren’t able to swing a big trade for Courtland Sutton, it doesn’t mean they should stop pursuing receivers. In fact, failing to get Sutton could turn into a blessing, especially if they’re able to pry Adam Thielen away from Carolina for a lower cost. He’s not nearly as big of a name, but keep in mind, this two-time Pro Bowl receiver is coming off a 1,000-yard season catching passes from Bryce Young. He also had an elite 75.2% catch rate last season, the best mark in the NFL among wide receivers with 100 or more receptions. If the Commanders want someone with reliable hands, they won’t find anyone better than Thielen.

Trade for RT Jack Conklin

Aside from Week 8, when the Commanders were down to their third-string left tackle, Washington’s offensive line has held up surprisingly well, considering they allowed the second-most sacks in the NFL last season. But if we’re getting nitpicky in an attempt to capitalize on Washington’s success, one area that could be improved is right tackle, where Andrew Wylie ranks 50th among 76 tackles this season, per PFF.

Trading for Browns two-time All-Pro Jack Conklin would shore up the right side of the line, and he’s even under contract through the 2026 season. Grading 25th among all tackles, Conklin would be a massive upgrade.

Trade for RT Taylor Moton

If Cleveland isn’t willing to part with one of the best right tackles in the NFL after having protection issues all season long, turning to Taylor Moton would be a fine alternative. The Panthers’ right tackle is grading as the 33rd-best tackle in the NFL this year, but he’s also already 30 and is only under contract through 2025. Moton might want a chance to win now instead of waiting through another rebuild in Carolina.

Trade for edge rusher Za’Darius Smith

Credit: Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last year, the Commanders tore down the roster down to its studs ahead of the deadline, trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Well, now the Commanders are tied for 10th in sacks per game, but they could still use a jolt off the edge. One potential short-term solution is three-time Pro Bowl sack artist Za’Darius Smith, who has tallied five sacks in eight games. Under contract through 2025, adding Smith buys the Commanders more time to find a long-term solution.

Commanders reunite with Chase Young

How about rekindling a relationship with a past friend? If the Commanders want to find a more permanent pass-rush solution, why not call the Saints about trading for Chase Young? He’s only signed to a one-year deal, but the former No. 2 overall pick may welcome the opportunity to return to where his career started, especially now that the Commanders are serious about competing for the playoffs every year.

Commanders trade for Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones

The Patriots have gotten a head start on selling off parts of their roster, but recent indications suggest they’re not done. Another player rumored to be on the trade block is cornerback Jonathan Jones. He’s not a household name, but Jones is ranked as the 49th-best cornerback in the NFL this season and has an expiring contract which makes him a strong candidate to be moved before Nov. 5.

Commanders present a strong trade offer for Jaycee Horn

Washington’s biggest team needs lie in the secondary, where the Commanders allow the fourth-most passing yards per attempt. This group of defensive backs won’t become elite overnight, but knowing that they’ll likely be selecting late in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft could spur the Commanders into action by finding a potential shutdown corner now instead.

If so, they should make the Carolina Panthers an aggressive trade offer for former first-round pick Jaycee Horn. The 6-foot-1 cornerback is still just 24 years old, but he already grades as the 39th-best cornerback in football. That’s lightyears ahead of Mike Sainristil, who grades as the Commanders’ top corner and the 66th-best player at his position.

Trade for Jabrill Peppers

The Commanders’ struggles in pass coverage are well documented. Part of the issue could be their reliance on several young players, such as second-year safety Quan Martin. While Martin may still improve upon being ranked 62nd among 85 safeties, the Commanders are ready to win now. When targeted, Martin has allowed the seventh-best passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Jabrill Peppers is holding opposing QBs to the second-worst passer rating when targeted, providing a stark contrast.

Trade for Budda Baker

Trading for Jabrill Peppers would be great, but he just signed a multi-year extension back in July. One player who has been known to make big plays is Budda Baker, and he’s only under contract for the rest of the season. If Arizona drops Sunday’s game to Chicago, perhaps the 28-year-old two-time All-Pro could be had for the right price, and he’d look great in a Commanders jersey.