The Washington Commanders have reached a point where they need to seriously consider their future. With just one win and their playoff hopes fading, Washington should explore trading veterans for future draft capital before the NFL trade deadline on November 10.
The Commanders still have an opportunity to change the narrative, with a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles approaching. However, one victory is not enough to inspire confidence that this team can turn its season around. If Washington loses its next two games, general manager Adam Peters should be prepared to sell rather than wait for the offseason to address the roster.
Trading players with expiring contracts would allow the Commanders to acquire assets instead of potentially losing those veterans in free agency without receiving anything in return. These three players stand out as candidates to be dealt before the deadline, ranked from least to most likely.
3. Stefon Diggs
Trading Stefon Diggs would be an easy decision for Washington, as the veteran wide receiver could attract interest from contenders looking to strengthen their passing game. Despite the off-field attention that has followed him throughout his career, Diggs continues to show that he can contribute as a productive receiver.
Diggs has recorded 24 receptions for 214 yards and four touchdowns this season. His four scores are tied for ninth in the league, while his 8.9 yards per reception reflect his role as a reliable possession receiver who can help move the chains and provide a target near the goal line.
Washington signed Diggs to a one-year deal, making him a potential trade candidate if the team decides its best option is to focus on the future. A contender could view him as an experienced addition who can contribute immediately, giving the Commanders an opportunity to recoup draft capital before his contract expires.
Still, Diggs is the least likely player on this list to be traded. Washington needs reliable targets for quarterback Jayden Daniels, especially with Terry McLaurin sidelined by a season-ending injury. Losing both veteran receivers would leave Daniels with fewer established options and make an already difficult season even more challenging. Unless the Commanders receive an offer they cannot ignore, keeping Diggs could make more sense than dealing him.
2. K'Lavon Chaisson
K'Lavon Chaisson could be an appealing option for teams searching for additional pass-rushing help before the postseason. The Commanders signed the edge rusher to a one-year contract this offseason, and his early production gives Washington a reason to explore his trade value.
Chaisson has recorded 2.5 sacks and forced two fumbles this season. Those numbers give him a solid foundation to build on, particularly if he continues making plays over Washington's next two games. A contender could view him as a rotational pass rusher who can provide depth without requiring the team to make a major long-term investment.
His contract situation also makes him a logical candidate. If the Commanders do not see Chaisson as part of their long-term plans, trading him now would give them a chance to acquire draft capital instead of watching him enter free agency after the season.
1. Daron Payne
Article Continues BelowDaron Payne is Washington's most compelling trade candidate because of his experience, production, and contract situation. The defensive tackle is playing on the final year of a four-year, $90 million deal, putting the Commanders in a position where they must decide whether he fits into their long-term plans.
Payne has spent nearly a decade with Washington after being selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. During that time, he has recorded more than 440 total tackles, 38 sacks, and eight forced fumbles, along with an interception in 2020. His ability to disrupt offenses from the interior makes him a potential target for contenders looking to improve their defensive lines.
Moving Payne would not be an easy decision. He remains an established player, and losing him would weaken a defensive front that already needs to find ways to improve. However, Washington must weigh the value of keeping him for the remainder of a difficult season against the possibility of receiving draft compensation before he reaches free agency.
Payne could command a more attractive return than the other players on this list because of his experience and ability to contribute immediately. A contender looking for interior defensive-line help could view him as a valuable addition for a postseason run, giving Washington a chance to negotiate a worthwhile deal.
The Commanders should not trade Payne just for the sake of making a move. If the offers do not meet their expectations, keeping him is a reasonable alternative. But if Washington's struggles continue, allowing a veteran on an expiring contract to leave without exploring the market would be a missed opportunity.