The Washington Commanders went from a 4-13 team that finished in last place of the NFC East under Ron Rivera in 2023 to one that Dan Quinn led to a 12-5 record and an NFC Conference Championship appearance in his first season.
Related: Top 2025 NFL free agents: Ranking top 30 players in NFL free agency
Of course, drafting quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft helped too. However, now that the Commanders have taken a leap, they look like one of the best teams in the NFL and one that won’t lose their momentum any time soon.
This offseason could help make or break whether the Commanders ascend into a Super Bowl contender or become a fluky fringe contender that’s quickly forgotten. Yet, the Commanders are expected to be aggressive targeting impactful upgrades this offseason, which could lead them to a blockbuster trade.
Related: 5 Washington Commanders offseason moves to go all-in
ESPN predicts Washington Commanders to trade for Myles Garrett
The Washington Commanders had the NFL’s fifth-best scoring offense this past season. Keep in mind that this was with a rookie quarterback.
If the Commanders really wanted to make a big splash this offseason, they’d address a defense that ranked 18th in points allowed in 2024. There’s no better player available than former Defensive Player of the Year winner Myles Garrett, who recently requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns.
Although the Browns have not publicly committed to trading their best player, expectations are that they’ll be willing to listen to offers at some point this offseason. When that happens, ESPN’s Marcus Spears believes the Commanders will be in the picture.
“The Commanders… I think they are going to try to make a play for Myles Garrett.”
Spears on Washington Commanders/Myles Garrett trade
Related: Washington Commanders emerge as candidates to trade for former first-round cornerback
.@mspears96 believes the Commanders are the biggest threat in the NFC to the Eagles next season 👀 pic.twitter.com/XMqQN8szfB
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 11, 2025
Garrett has gone seven consecutive seasons with 10 or more sacks. While there is always great risk involved in drafting young prospects, there’s no projection involved with trading for a four-time All-Pro who’s one of the NFL’s best defensive players today.
Related: 5 Myles Garrett trade landing spots after 4x All-Pro demands trade
