The Washington Commanders are still being mentioned in the wide receiver market as the NFL trade deadline approaches, but the fit has to make sense. After losing Terry McLaurin to a season-ending knee injury in Week 6, Washington was instantly pushed into the conversation as a team that could go shopping.
At 2-4-1, the Commanders are hardly out of the picture. They sit just two games behind first place in the NFC East, which is why the deadline chatter hasn’t gone away even with the season going sideways in a few different ways.
For a while, the more realistic talk around Washington centered on the possibility of moving players out rather than bringing anyone in. That changed last week when defensive tackle Daron Payne suffered a season-ending foot injury. Payne had been viewed as the Commanders’ most likely trade chip, and his injury took that option off the table.
If Washington does decide to buy, receiver would be the obvious place to look. Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr. has been floated as one possibility, though the Jaguars insist he isn’t available. NFL insider Jordan Schultz also mentioned another name on Monday: Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs.
“I would say keep an eye on the Steelers, Chiefs, and Commanders, among others, and then don’t be surprised if other teams we haven’t even considered yet, because he’s valuable and he’s set to become a free agent,” Schultz said, via Paul Bretl of Colts Wire.
Schultz also reported that Indianapolis wants a third-round pick for Downs, though the belief is that he’ll ultimately fetch a fourth.
Downs is 25 years old, stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 171 pounds. He’s in his fourth NFL season and set to become a free agent after the year.
Over his first three seasons, he played in 47 games and caught 198 passes for 2,140 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also handles punt returns.
This season, Downs has 30 catches for 330 yards and one touchdown.
But while Downs is a useful player, he doesn’t really match what Washington would seem to need. Thomas would fit the idea of a receiver with true WR1 upside. Downs is more of a strong complementary piece, and the Commanders already have several solid options, including Treylon Burks and rookie Antonio Williams.
So while Downs appears likely to be moved, Washington would be a surprising landing spot if the Commanders are the team that makes the deal.
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Jaguars Suddenly Have A Brian Thomas Jr. Debate They Never Wanted
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For a receiver who arrived with real long-term promise, that kind of slide naturally invites outside interest, and trade chatter has already started to swirl around him. Several teams have been mentioned as possible fits, which only adds to the sense that Jacksonville may have to decide whether Thomas is still part of the core or a name worth listening on if the right offer comes along. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Trade Deadline Talk Just Got Real After A Telling Roster Shift
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Commanders Face One Big Trade Deadline Decision After Saving Season
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That makes the next few days worth watching closely, because the front office has a chance to address more than one need if it wants to keep this push alive. One possibility that has surfaced is help at receiver, where Josh Downs would fit the kind of young, useful addition Washington could use, while the defensive front could also use another body if Javon Kinlaws knee issue lingers. The deadline will show whether the Commanders are content with the surge theyve made or ready to spend to make it last. [Read more 🡒]