Washington Commanders News & Rumors

2024 NFL Trades

We have reached the 2024 trade deadline, which came one week later than the league’s usual endpoint. An offseason measure to move the deadline back one week passed, sliding the deadline beyond Week 9 after it had resided the Tuesday following Week 8 since 2012. That opened the door to more activity this year.

The 2024 offseason also featured extensive work, as teams added starters and depth pieces. Here are the trades involving veteran players (or rookies already drafted) to take place this year:

March 4

Bears chose defensive end Austin Booker at No. 144

March 9

Broncos sent Seahawks No. 136, included 203 in trade with Jets for QB Zach Wilson

March 10

Patriots chose QB Joe Milton at 193

March 11

Bucs drafted WR Jalen McMillan at No. 92; Lions traded No. 201 to Eagles

Panthers traded down from No. 39, giving Rams access to DT Braden Fiske; team moved No. 141 in Bills deal that sent WR Xavier Legette to Carolina. Giants chose RB Tyrone Tracy at 166.

March 12

Bengals chose DB Daijahn Anthony at No. 224 

March 13

Texans traded No. 232 to Vikings

Ravens chose WR Devontez Walker at No. 113, QB Devin Leary at 218; Jets drafted RB Braelon Allen at 134

March 14

Commanders traded Nos. 78, 152 to Eagles in trade that sent CB Cooper DeJean to Philadelphia; Seahawks moved down from No. 102, drafted G Sataoa Laumea at 179

Bolts traded No. 110 to Patriots 

March 15

Steelers chose LB Payton Wilson at No. 98; Eagles traded No. 120 to Dolphins in package that brought back 2025 third-rounder

March 16

Fields must play in 51% of Steelers’ offensive snaps for pick to elevate from sixth to fourth round

March 22

Chiefs traded No. 221 to Bills; Titans chose OLB Jaylen Harrell at 252

March 29

Pick would have become second-rounder had Reddick played 67.5% of Jets’ 2024 defensive snaps and recorded at least 10 sacks. Reddick’s holdout ensured Philly’s pick will land in Round 3.

April 3

Texans dealt No. 189 to Lions for Nos. 205, 249

April 12

Browns chose CB Myles Harden at No. 227

April 22

In trade that gave Vikings J.J. McCarthy draft real estate at No. 10 overall, Jets sent No. 203 to Minnesota; Broncos chose C Nick Gargiulo at 256

April 27

May 9

August 9

August 11

August 14

Dallas carried Phillips on its active roster for two games, meeting minimum requirement for conditional sixth to transfer

August 22

Pick did not convey due to Commanders cutting York before he played in two games with team

August 23

August 24

August 26

August 27

August 28

October 14

October 15

Pick would upgrade to second-rounder if Adams earns first- or second-team All-Pro recognition or is on Jets’ active roster for 2024 AFC championship game or Super Bowl LIX

October 23

Pick would become fourth-rounder if Hopkins both plays 60% of Chiefs’ remaining offensive snaps and Kansas City advances to Super Bowl LIX

October 28

October 29

Robinson’s playing time will determine if Jags pick climbs to a fourth-rounder and whether Vikings will end up receiving 2026 seventh

November 4

November 5

Sixth-rounder going to New Orleans comes from pick Saints sent Commanders for John Ridgeway 

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/5/24

Tuesday’s minor moves:

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Dallas Cowboys

Green Bay Packers

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Washington Commanders

Free Agent

We don’t have a reason for Moreland’s suspension yet, but we know that it will last three weeks. He hasn’t played in the NFL since 2021, but if a team were to sign him, he wouldn’t be available for three games.

Commanders, Chargers Among Suitors For Saints’ Marshon Lattimore

Marshon Lattimore remains a name to watch closely as the Saints face the possibility of dealing away their high-profile corner. The Chiefs have already been connected to pursuing a trade, but they are not alone in that regard.

The Commanders are a “real contender” to land the four-time Pro Bowler, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports. Washington has recently been linked to an addition at the cornerback spot, so today’s update comes as little surprise. The NFC East leaders rank outside the top 10 in total and scoring defense, so adding on that side of the ball would make sense. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds the Commanders have made a “hard push” on the Lattimore front.

Washington is gauging the market for 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbeswho has not lived up to his draft stock so far. A different regime (head coach Dan Quinn, general manager Adam Peters) is in place than the one which selected him, a factor which often comes into play when young players are dealt. Trading away Forbes would open up a roster spot for Lattimore, although other moves could obviously achieve that goal. In any case, the Commanders could stand to add to a secondary which is led at corner by Benjamin St-Juste and second-round rookie Mike Sainristil.

Rapoport’s report notes at least two suitors beyond Kansas City and Washington are likely in play; indeed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s latest Pat McAfee Show appearance lists four teams in the contender category (video link). The Chargers are among them, he adds. Los Angeles’ defense has seen a dramatic turnaround this season under head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, with the unit leading the league in points allowed (12.6 per game). Adding a corner of Lattimore’s caliber would give the team a notable boost in the secondary.

The former Defensive Player of the Year remained mainly healthy through his first five seasons. Since then, however, injuries have been an issue, one which contending teams have taken into account while contemplating a potential deal. A third-round pick was floated earlier today as a possible price to get a deal over the finish line, and Schefter concurs capital in that vicinity is likely in play. He adds a deal is likely to be finalized given the advance nature of talks and the multitude of suitors vying to acquire Lattimore.

New Orleans sits at 2-7 on the year, making them an obvious seller’s candidate. Especially with head coach Dennis Allen no longer in place, it would come as no surprise if Lattimore were to be moved. Term remains on his contract, one which will likely be restructured by an acquiring team.

Commanders Gauging CB Emmanuel Forbes’ Trade Value

Adam Peters‘ Commanders regime cut ties with a handful of 2023 draft choices brought in by Ron Rivera and Co. This included bailing on third-round center Ricky Stromberg‘s rookie deal a year in. Weeks later, the top pick from last year’s Commanders draft may not be on steady ground.

Washington is certainly not a seller this year, separating the current team’s setup from the situation that led Montez Sweat and Chase Young out the door on deadline day last year. But the team is exploring help at wide receiver and cornerback. The latter area may also be a spot where a subtraction comes.

The Commanders are gauging Emmanuel Forbes‘ value on the market, per veteran NFL reporter Josina Anderson. Forbes has not justified his draft slot — No. 16 overall — despite coming to the nation’s capital after elite turnover numbers in college. Forbes has started one game this season and played in five, seeing later-round prospects work in front of him.

Drafted one spot in front of Christian Gonzalez last year, Forbes has played just 37% of the Commanders’ defensive snaps this season. The team drafted the slender prospect to work in Rivera and Jack Del Rio‘s scheme, and while a thumb injury slowed him early this season, the Mississippi State alum only played 50% of Washington’s defensive snaps as a rookie. The Commanders have used Forbes as a starter in just seven games since drafting him midway through the first round. Pro Football Focus has assigned Forbes an abysmal 37.6 coverage grade this season.

Benjamin St-Juste and second-round rookie Mike Sainristil are ahead of Forbes, with multiyear Chargers starter Michael Davis also added this offseason. Noah Igbinoghene, a former Cowboys low-end trade pickup, has also started five games and logged a 67% snap share as primarily a slot defender. After not contributing much to the Dolphins’ cause despite being a former first-round pick, Igbinoghene was among the cadre of Cowboys to follow Dan Quinn to Washington. He has slid Sainristil to the boundary, cutting off a Forbes path back to the lineup.

Forbes finished his college career with six pick-sixes but checked in at 166 pounds. The previous Commanders regime liked Gonzalez as well but preferred Forbes to the eventual Patriots CB1. Forbes intercepted a staggering 14 passes in just three seasons at Mississippi State, but thus far, he has not translated into a reliable pro corner. Forbes is under contract through 2026 and would add some dead money to Washington’s payroll if traded before Tuesday afternoon’s deadline.

It would cost the Commanders more than $12MM in dead cap, which would be spread between this year and next, to unload Forbes, who has more than $5MM in guaranteed salary due from 2025-26. That would also be an issue for an acquiring team, though with Forbes just 23, it would also not surprise to see a team that liked him coming out of the draft to take a flier. Of course, the Commanders would likely not fetch anything beyond a Day 3 pick at this juncture. Whether the team moves on may depend on if it acquires another corner before the deadline.

Commanders Eyeing Trade For WR, CB?

Keyed by a stellar rookie-year performance from quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders are acing their rebuilding project and find themselves in position to make a deep playoff run. In order to achieve that goal, Washington is considering making a move or two in advance of Tuesday’s trade deadline.

On October 30, Ben Standig of The Athletic (subscription required) published a piece noting that, while the Commanders’ defense is performing well in terms of points allowed per game (20.9, which ranks 11th in the league), that number is boosted by a generally soft schedule. Standig pointed out that the unit has struggled against quality passers, and he also wrote that, outside of WR Terry McLaurin and Daniels, the offense could use more top-flight playmakers.

It therefore stands to reason that the Commanders would pursue a trade for a pass-catcher and/or a defensive back to address the weak spots on their roster. However, Standig reported that there was minimal buzz in that regard as of the time his piece was published. After all, 2024 is the first year of a multiyear plan, and GM Adam Peters is not going to trade away high-end draft capital if he does not believe his club is a true contender at this point. 

According to Standig, there was not a sense that much trade activity was brewing in the Washington front office. He did concede that Peters is willing to consider a deal, especially for a cornerback, and his colleague at The Athletic, Dianna Russini, is more bullish on the odds of Washington pulling off a trade. Per Russini, the Commanders are actively seeking a corner (subscription required), though neither she nor Standig offer any specific names.

The Commanders’ top boundary corners, Benjamin St-Juste and Mike Sainristil, have yielded quarterback ratings of 111.6 and 126.6, respectively, while Pro Football Focus has assigned 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes an abysmal 37.6 coverage grade. Slot defender Noah Igbinoghene has also struggled.

Wide receivers have largely dominated trade conversations both during the offseason and into the regular season, and Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports that the Commanders are among the teams “poking around” the WR market. McLaurin and tight end Zach Ertz have received the most targets from Daniels, and while players like Noah Brown, Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, and rookie Luke McCaffrey have had their moments, an addition to the top of the depth chart would be a welcome development.

Along with Daniels’ level of play and Washington’s strong start to the season, the club’s fans have another reason to celebrate. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter writes, players on other teams have either privately stated or have told their agents that they want to be dealt to the Commanders. Whether Peters makes a big swing in the next couple of days remains to be seen, but the Josh Harris ownership group, along with Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, have reversed the league-wide perception of their outfit in short order.

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/2/24

Today’s minor NFL moves including standard gameday practice squad elevations for Sunday’s slate of games:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

New Orleans Saints

Philadelphia Eagles

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

Extra Points: 18-Game Schedule, International Slate, Goalposts, Commanders

Thrown around as a talking point before the 17-game schedule took effect, the prospect of two bye weeks is back on the table thanks to the early negotiations for an 18-game slate. Roger Goodell said recently the prospect of a two-bye season will be in play if another regular-season expansion comes to fruition.

A lot of that depends on — can we continue to make the game safer, can we continue to modify the way we conduct the offseason as well as the training camp and as well as the season, so that these guys feel comfortable being able to play that period of time,” Goodell said of an expansion to 18 games, something that has become a trending topic in 2024.

It is believed TV networks nixed a double-bye setup for the 17-game season, as the league’s 1993 effort — the only two-bye season to date — provided what the NFL’s broadcast partners viewed as a diluted schedule. For the NFLPA to back a move to 18 during a CBA that prevents the schedule from expanding again, it is likely the NFL and its TV partners will need to give in on the second bye week. Should that be one of the league’s concessions to the union in the ongoing push for 18 games, a schedule that would start one week earlier and run through Presidents Day weekend would be on tap.

Here is the latest from around the NFL:

  • As Goodell previously mentioned a move to 16 international games per season could commence at some point, the veteran commissioner noted he wants to push the slate from five to eight international contests “quickly.” The NFL will play a game in Madrid next season, and Dublin, Rio de Janeiro and Abu Dhabi have come up as potential international hosts. Ditto Sweden, France and Australia. The league currently features an eight-game max as far as international outings go; it is safe to expect that number to rise in the coming years, especially if the NFL’s push for an 18-game season is successful.
  • Fifteen of the top 17 most accurate field goal kickers in NFL history have played during the 2020s, with Mike Vanderjagt and Nate Kaeding the only outliers. The league is seeing 60-yard field goal makes occur at greater rates, with 50-plus-yarders becoming routine for many. As a result, an interesting conversation could take place. A competition committee discussion (via The Associated Press’ Rob Maaddi) is expected to take place during the 2025 offseason. The posts presently sit 18 feet, 6 inches apart and 10 feet off the ground. Altering those dimensions would be a radical change, though the NFL showed a willingness to explore special teams adjustments via its dynamic kickoff trial run. That said, veteran NFL exec Troy Vincent does not expect (via the Washington Post’s Mark Maske) an immediate change.
  • While Josh HarrisCommanders sale price was believed to be $6.05 billion, Maske and Post colleague Nicki Jhabvala indicate the actual number will likely come in at $5.85 billion. That is still an American sports-record number, breaking Rob Walton‘s Broncos purchase ($4.65 billion) from 2022. A $200MM deferred payment exists in Harris’ agreement, one based on revenue markers Maske and Jhabvala indicate the franchise is unlikely to hit. Harris’ group needed to bring in more than a dozen investors to buy the team, and the current owners feared Amazon founder (and Post owner) Jeff Bezos would indeed swoop in with an offer the Harris-led group could not match. Bezos bowing out of the running, not submitting an official bid for rival Dan Snyder‘s franchise, cleared the way for Harris’ purchase.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/29/24

Here are the most recent practice squad transactions from around the NFL:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Indianapolis Colts

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

The Vikings cut Gaskin from their active roster on Tuesday, but as a vested veteran, he did not need to pass through waivers before re-signing to Minnesota’s practice squad. Gaskin played in the Vikings’ first five games this season, but has not appeared since October 6. His familiarity with the offense could lead to activations from the practice squad if Minnesota needs running back depth.

Herndon will join the Saints after playing in Jacksonville for six seasons, with 83 total appearances and 34 starts for the Jaguars since 2018. The veteran cornerback only started five games over the last two years, but played in 15 games for almost 900 snaps as a rotational member of the Jaguars’ secondary. His experience could lead to quick elevations from the practice squad once he learns the Saints’ defense.

The Commander signed the 30-year-old Hart to give them more depth at offensive tackle. The veteran has 67 starts and 98 total appearances over his eight-year career, though he hasn’t played in the NFL since a 2022 stint with the Bills.

2024 NFL Cap Space, By Team

With the trade deadline nearing, more player movement can be expected during the coming days. Of course, a key factor in any deals will be the financial situation for contenders aiming to bolster their rosters for the second half of the campaign.

Courtesy of Over the Cap, here is an updated look at each teams’ cap space:

  1. San Francisco 49ers: $54.13MM
  2. Cleveland Browns: $45.16MM
  3. New England Patriots: $36.61MM
  4. Las Vegas Raiders: $34.59MM
  5. Detroit Lions: $27.53MM
  6. Washington Commanders: $23.44MM
  7. Dallas Cowboys: $20.75MM
  8. Arizona Cardinals: $19.44MM
  9. Tennessee Titans: $18.26MM
  10. Jacksonville Jaguars: $17.12MM
  11. Green Bay Packers: $13.96MM
  12. Indianapolis Colts: $11.11MM
  13. Philadelphia Eagles: $10.36MM
  14. Minnesota Vikings: $9.48MM
  15. Cincinnati Bengals: $8.98MM
  16. Pittsburgh Steelers: $8.93MM
  17. Seattle Seahawks: $8.19MM
  18. Atlanta Falcons: $8.16MM
  19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $7.83MM
  20. Los Angeles Chargers: $7.72MM
  21. Chicago Bears: $6.14MM
  22. Houston Texans: $6.01MM
  23. New York Jets: $5.1MM
  24. Miami Dolphins: $5.02MM
  25. Baltimore Ravens: $4.36MM
  26. Buffalo Bills: $2.37MM
  27. Kansas City Chiefs: $2.35MM
  28. New Orleans Saints: $2.15MM
  29. Los Angeles Rams: $1.91MM
  30. Denver Broncos: $1.77MM
  31. New York Giants: $1.51MM
  32. Carolina Panthers: $1.12MM

Just like last year, the 49ers find themselves with considerable cap space to work with. The team has several reasons to roll over as many funds as possible into the offseason, however, with Brock Purdy eligible for an extension and the likes of Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir and Talanoa Hufanga on track for free agency. Major investments including a commitment beyond 2024 would thus come as a surprise.

San Francisco is among the teams to watch regarding an addition, and major injuries on both sides of the ball could lead to a stop-gap solution being targeted. The 49ers may also be open to moving away players before the deadline, though, with Ward being named as potential candidate to be dealt. Sitting at 3-4, the team’s bid to return to the Super Bowl has not gone as planned to date, but a notable midseason addition could certainly change things.

Having lost Aidan Hutchinson until at least the Super Bowl, the Lions have an obvious need along the edge. Replacing his production with any one addition will not be feasible, but bringing in at least a rotational option would not come as a surprise. Indeed, Detroit has been involved in the edge market with respect to showing interest in some of the veterans who could be on the move.

That list no longer includes Haason Reddick, but the Lions have also been connected to Za’Darius Smith. The Browns have already moved Amari Cooper, so it would come as little surprise if the team were to deal away the three-time Pro Bowler in a move which would allow him to return to the NFC North. Smith certainly seems to be open to a trade, and Detroit would easily be able to absorb the remainder of his $1.2MM 2024 salary.

While Smith could be on the move, fellow Cleveland edge rusher Myles Garrett is (understandably) seen as untouchable. That is also the case for Raiders start Maxx Crosby, with owner Mark Davis making it clear a trade will not be considered before or after the deadline. Even though the Titans have been active already on the trade front, they too will not entertain a deal involving two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. While talks have taken place related to Cooper Kupp, the Rams do not expect to move on from the former Super Bowl MVP.

The receiver position remains one to watch even with Davante Adams (Jets), Cooper (Bills) and DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs) already joining new teams. As the Panthers consider selling off pending free agents, Diontae Johnson could be available for a mid-round pick. In the case of the Jaguars, Christian Kirk is still a candidate to be dealt (although he is not a pending free agent). Teams like the Steelers and Chargers have yet to add a pass-catcher, but they have shown interest and could pull off a move in the coming days.

Commanders Expected To Start Jayden Daniels In Week 8

Jayden Daniels did not make it too far into the Commanders’ Week 7 game. Although the team routed the Panthers in that matchup behind backup Marcus Mariota, as Daniels’ effort to reenter the game proved unsuccessful, the resurgent NFC East team does not look ready to give its newfound franchise QB more time off.

While it is not yet certain Daniels suits up in Week 8 against the Bears despite his rib injury, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter notes all signs point to that taking place. Daniels missed two practices this week and only logged a limited session Friday.

It would be understandable for a Washington team — one that has certainly struggled to find a long-term quarterback over the past few decades — to be cautious with its dual-threat dynamo, but Daniels is trending toward returning. The Commanders initially viewed their prized prospect as suffering a minor injury, so it would not come as a shock if he returned without missing a start. Still, with Daniels’ skillset featuring extensive run-game work, it will be interesting to see if the Commanders show caution with their play-calling should he return today.

Daniels, who left the Carolina matchup in the first quarter, will be tested in pregame warmups. The odds appear on the side of him returning Mariota to the bench, which would be an interesting turn of events due to the 2023 Heisman winner’s play style and his status as the Commanders’ long-sought-after franchise quarterback.

The former LSU and Arizona State starter has made tremendous progress early in his NFL career. He enters Week 8 ranked behind only Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson in QBR. Daniels leads the NFL in completion percentage (75.6), buoyed by his 21-for-23 showing in Cincinnati, and has managed this connect rate while averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. Washington has seen a few first-round QB investments (Jason Campbell, Robert Griffin III, Dwayne Haskins) fail to pan out over the past 20 years, but Daniels has the look of a player who could become the team’s longest-tenured QB1 since at least Joe Theismann.

Mariota resides as decent Daniels insurance, however, having completed 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns against Carolina on Sunday. Washington’s other Heisman-winning passer has not made a start since the 2022 season with the Falcons, one that ended with a Mariota knee surgery and a strange departure from the team upon being benched for Desmond Ridder. The Commanders gave Mariota, the Eagles’ 2023 backup, a one-year deal worth $6MM in March.

Daniels, 24, returning would mean a faceoff against No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. This development would certainly please CBS execs, as the NFL moved the game to the late-afternoon window recently. The Commanders lead the NFC East at 5-2 and are seeking their first division title since 2020.