The Washington Commanders’ 2025 season has spiraled into a full-blown disappointment, and with just four games left, the fan base is running low on patience - and understandably so. Expectations were higher than this.
Much higher. What was supposed to be a step forward in a new era has instead turned into a harsh reminder that rebuilding isn’t always linear.
Sure, injuries have played a role. That’s the case for most teams dealing with adversity late in the year.
But the issues go deeper than just bad luck. There were early signs during training camp that something wasn’t quite clicking - a lack of cohesion, a few too many questions that never got answered.
Now, those cracks have widened into full-blown fractures across the roster.
That leaves general manager Adam Peters with a tall task this offseason. And make no mistake: it’s a pivotal one. Peters was brought in to be the architect of the next great Commanders team, and while his first year hasn’t gone to plan, he’s earned enough trust to start reshaping this roster with a long-term vision in mind.
The Commanders need to consolidate. They need to prioritize the future.
That means tough calls are coming - especially when it comes to pending free agents and even some players still under contract for 2026. With only six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, Washington may have to get creative.
That could include putting a few veterans on the trade block to recoup draft capital and reset the roster.
Let’s take a look at one name that stands out as a potential trade chip - someone who could draw interest and help Washington pivot toward a more sustainable build.
Will Harris - Safety
Cap savings: $4 million | Dead money: $1 million
When Will Harris went down in Week 3 against the Raiders, the Commanders’ secondary felt it - more than they probably anticipated. His absence exposed just how thin and inexperienced the safety group really was.
The defense struggled to communicate. Big plays started piling up.
And even after Harris returned, the unit didn’t quite regain its footing.
Now, Harris is still under contract for another season, and there’s no denying his value as a communicator and leader in the locker room. He’s had flashes of strong play, and he’s the type of veteran presence that can help stabilize a young defense. But at this point, Washington has to weigh leadership against production - and cost.
If Peters and head coach Dan Quinn decide it’s time to reboot the safety room, Harris could be one of the first names floated in trade talks. With $4 million in potential cap savings and only $1 million in dead money, the math checks out. And while it’s unclear what kind of market there would be for Harris, his experience and versatility could make him a low-risk, high-reward target for a team looking to bolster its depth on the back end.
This isn’t about scapegoating Harris. It’s about recognizing where this roster stands and what it needs to become.
The Commanders can’t afford to take half-measures anymore. Every move this offseason has to be about building a more complete, more competitive team - even if that means moving on from respected veterans.
And Harris likely won’t be the only defensive back under the microscope once the offseason begins.
Washington’s next few months are going to be critical. Peters has to walk the line between cleaning house and keeping enough core pieces to avoid a full teardown. It’s a balancing act, but one he’s capable of managing - especially if he’s willing to make bold decisions now in order to build something sustainable later.
The Commanders have been stuck in neutral for too long. This offseason offers a chance to shift gears.