Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters has proven he’s not afraid to make a deal. His first trade in March was trading 2023 starting quarterback Sam Howell to Seattle for draft picks. In the 2024 NFL draft, Peters traded back in the second round, adding another second-round pick.
Last week, Peters struck again. First, he traded a conditional draft pick to the Cleveland Browns for kicker Cade York. York shined in his debut for Washington, making both field goals and PATs in the final preseason game. However, Peters made headlines later last Thursday by sending 2022 first-round pick Jahan Dotson within the division to the Philadelphia Eagles.
There were already questions about which receiver would step up opposite Terry McLaurin, and those questions remain. Help could be on the way, though. The Commanders are No. 2 in the waiver priority order due to their poor record last season. That means only the Carolina Panthers are ahead of them if talented players at positions of need hit the waiver wire.
While Peters will likely be active on the waiver wire, don’t be surprised if he doesn’t make more trades. According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, the Commanders let other teams know about their surplus at specific positions, and this was before the Dotson trade.
The Commanders, in recent days, informed other teams about possible roster redundancies at WR (pre Jahan trade), DT, safety and TE at least. Peters has already turned over more than half the 2023 roster. There’s no reason to stop now as they trim to 53.https://t.co/vZeP2oAvkH
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 26, 2024
That begs the question: Which other players could the Commanders trade on cutdown day (Tuesday) or later in the week?
We look at four players Washington could move.
DT John Ridgeway
Ridgeway is a third-year defensive tackle drafted by head coach Dan Quinn in Dallas. When the Cowboys waived him two years ago, they hoped to sneak him onto the practice squad, but Washington wisely claimed him. Ridgeway has provided good depth for the Commanders and had a strong preseason. Washington isn’t trading Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, or rookie Johnny Newton, meaning Ridgeway could be an attractive option for other teams. He has two years remaining on his rookie deal, and it’s cheap.
DT Phidarian Mathis
See above. Mathis is entering his third season and has two years remaining on his rookie deal. Unlike Ridgeway, Mathis was a much higher pick, going No. 47 overall in 2022. Mathis hasn’t contributed much in his first two seasons, but he showed up motivated to join the new regime. Quinn has praised him more than once. Mathis finished the preseason on a strong note. Washington would probably keep both if it didn’t have so many good options. Mathis and Ridgeway are similar, but Ridgeway offers a little more versatility.
LB/DE Jamin Davis
This doesn’t seem very likely but never say never. The Commanders moved the 2021 first-round pick to edge rusher this offseason, and he has worked at the position extensively throughout training camp and the preseason. Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. have praised his work ethic and determination to tackle a new position. Washington likes Davis’ progress and believes he could help as a rotational pass rusher at some point. But if someone offered a draft pick, would Peters take it and move on?
S Darrick Forrest
This one is unfortunate. Forrest looked like a building block two years ago, starting at safety for most of the season. However, he’s battled injuries in his career, and under this new regime, Forrest has been working behind others. Another injury in camp didn’t help his cause. Forrest can play. It appears he’s caught up in a numbers game, and if no one makes an offer for him, Forrest could be released on Tuesday. He will catch on somewhere, as he can help a team defensively and on special teams.
