Before the season kicked off, it seemed unlikely that the Washington Commanders would be major players at the 2024 trade deadline. They had an exciting new franchise quarterback and a fresh head coach and offensive coordinator to revamp an uninspiring system from 2023. However, after trading away a projected starting wide receiver just weeks before the season began, the outlook was bleak.
But six weeks can change everything.
Now, the Commanders boast the best record in the NFC East, have the standout quarterback of the draft class—unless you’re in Chicago—and have consistently managed to win key games. They’ve easily defeated weaker teams and stayed competitive against stronger opponents, indicating they might be a legitimate contender. As a result, they might be willing to invest in a trade to further elevate their performance.
Even though they missed out on acquiring Brandon Aiyuk, the Commanders still have some intriguing trade options, including swapping one draft bust for another and reinforcing their defensive line after losing a key player to season-ending IR. If they’re ready to part with a future pick for immediate talent, this could be their year.
1. **Trade Emmanuel Forbes for Jonathan Mingo**
Emmanuel Forbes is one of the most intriguing cornerbacks available. A former first-round pick from Mississippi State, Forbes showed promise as a rookie in 2023, but his performance has been inconsistent. Transitioning from Ron Rivera’s system to Dan Quinn’s has limited his playing time, reducing his snaps significantly this year. In just three games, with one start, he hasn’t performed well, holding a low PFF rating.
Despite this, Forbes remains a strong athlete and could attract interest from teams looking for a cornerback, particularly the Carolina Panthers. With a pressing need for cornerback depth opposite Jaycee Horn, they might see Forbes as a valuable long-term addition. The Panthers also have Jonathan Mingo, a wide receiver who was a second-round pick in 2023 but has struggled to make an impact. A one-for-one swap could benefit both teams: the Panthers get a cornerback, while the Commanders gain a receiver with potential.
2. **Trade a conditional sixth-round pick for Sebastian Joseph-Day**
With Jonathan Allen on IR, the Commanders may find themselves needing help on the defensive line. While Daron Payne is a standout, adding another capable interior player could bolster their depth.
Sebastian Joseph-Day, currently with the Tennessee Titans, presents a solid option. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 310 pounds, he’s a former sixth-round pick who has played various roles throughout his career. As a versatile player in the Titans’ 3-4 defense, he could provide the depth the Commanders need.
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