Feb. 3, 2026, 6:16 a.m. ET
Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters has been busy in his first two years on the job. In 2024, Peters signed numerous veterans to shorter-term deals, just to field a competitive team after years of bad drafting by the previous regime. The result was immediate, as Washington, led by superstar franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels, shocked everyone, winning 12 games and advancing to the NFC Championship Game.
Last offseason, Peters wanted to give it one more shot with the current core, mixing in a couple of high-profile players via trades. While the trades for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel worked out well, the 2024 trade for cornerback Marshon Lattimore didn’t, leaving the Commanders short on draft picks in 2025 and 2026. Overall, Peters’ moves didn’t work out as well last season, and Washington finished with a disappointing 5-12 record.
How will Peters approach this season? The good news is that the Commanders have plenty of cap space, allowing Peters to improve the roster via free agency. And, for now, Washington has six picks in April’s 2026 NFL Draft, but are without picks in the second and fourth rounds.
It would seem that Peters would likely stay away from the trade market this offseason, especially with the No. 7 overall pick. However, if the right trade appears, you always listen. Bleacher Report analyst Alex Ballentine recently previewed the top 3 hypothetical trade targets for every team. Ballentine has three big names linked to Washington:
Raiders Edge Maxx CrosbyJaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.Dolphins WR Tyreek HillExpert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
A healthy Jayden Daniels in 2026 could have Washington right back in contention. They also have the cap space to get aggressive in bringing on a big contract.
That would enable them to chase big names like Maxx Crosby and Tyreek Hill. Both might be unhappy with their current situations, but carry major financial obligations for any team that trades for them.
They should also be calling the Jacksonville Jaguars to ensure that they have plans to feature Brian Thomas Jr. next season. The second-year receiver saw a major dip in production after a stellar rookie season.
He had a great connection with Jayden Daniels when they were teammates at LSU. Pairing quarterbacks with their former college targets has worked out well for teams recently. The Commanders should be willing to pay up to reunite Thomas with Daniels if the Jags are looking to trade him.
Crosby is a phenomenal talent, but would be out Washington’s price range — draft picks, not money. Crosby could fetch two first-round picks, which is something Peters would not be willing to do. Hill is older and coming off an injury, that appears even more unlikely.
However, if the Commanders could somehow pry Thomas away from the Jaguars, it’s something they should consider. After a phenomenal rookie year, Thomas struggled at times in 2025 under new coach Liam Coen. He did appear to find his footing later in the season, though. Thomas has two years remaining on his rookie deal, plus a fifth-year option.
He could not only be the perfect complement to Terry McLaurin, but also be his eventual replacement as Washington’s No. 1 receiver. The key is cost. Thomas’ contract makes him extremely valuable, which means the Jaguars could want a first-round pick, maybe a second-rounder, back in return.
The Commanders don’t figure to be big players in the trade market, but remember, no one saw the Tunsil trade coming last offseason.