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