If the Washington Commanders truly want to establish themselves as serious contenders in the NFC, they will need to take a hard look at their roster. This involves figuring out which players are core assets and which ones, despite their talent, may be expendable if they can bring value elsewhere. With a promising young quarterback like Jayden Daniels, who has been exceptional in his first five games, the team must prioritize surrounding him with more offensive firepower, particularly another wide receiver who can stretch the field.
One way to bolster the offense while addressing some roster inefficiencies is by considering a trade involving a major asset on the defensive side of the ball. While Jonathan Allen was the subject of much trade speculation in the offseason, Daron Payne might be the player the Commanders should take a closer look at moving. Payne, who was a Pro Bowler in 2022, could provide two key benefits if traded: first, the team could acquire an offensive weapon in return, and second, the Commanders could shed what many view as an overpriced contract for a player whose production hasn’t lived up to expectations.
The key to making this trade successful would be finding a team that is in desperate need of help on the defensive line but has a wide receiver they’re willing to part with. The Green Bay Packers could be a perfect match in this scenario. According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, defensive tackle has been one of the Packers’ biggest weaknesses so far this season, and they could use reinforcements in that area to stay competitive in the NFC North.
One potential trade target from Green Bay is wide receiver Romeo Doubs. Despite his talent, Doubs has had some struggles in 2024, including a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team after missing practices and meetings before a key game. While Doubs has shown flashes of brilliance, the friction between him and the Packers coaching staff could make him available in a trade. Doubs is still on his rookie contract, making him a budget-friendly option for the Commanders. If Washington’s general manager, Adam Peters, could pull off a deal, it might even involve the Packers throwing in a late-round draft pick to sweeten the pot.
As for Payne, his hefty contract has become a sticking point for the Commanders. After signing a four-year, $90 million deal in March 2023, Payne has not produced at the same level that earned him his contract extension. While he posted 11.5 sacks in his Pro Bowl season in 2022, his production has dipped since then, with only 4.5 sacks in 2023 and just half a sack in the first five games of 2024. Additionally, Payne’s stats are now comparable to those of rookie Jer’Zhan Newton, a concerning sign given Newton’s relative inexperience.
Ultimately, trading Payne could free up cap space, improve the Commanders’ offense, and provide a way to move on from a player whose performance isn’t matching his salary. If the Commanders are serious about building around Jayden Daniels and making a deep playoff run, a bold move like this might be necessary.
