The Washington Commanders are staring down a pivotal offseason, and after a 2025 campaign that fell short of expectations, the front office-led by GM Adam Peters-has some big decisions to make. Last year, Peters swung big with two headline-grabbing trades: bringing in wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil to support rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders were fresh off an NFC Championship appearance and looking to capitalize on the momentum. But the magic didn’t quite carry over, and now the team finds itself in a different phase-one that might call for a more measured approach.
Still, that hasn’t stopped the trade buzz from picking up again.
Let’s start with what worked. Tunsil was everything Washington hoped for and more.
He anchored the offensive line with the kind of dominance that only a handful of tackles in the league can replicate. He’s due for a new contract, and don’t be surprised if that deal sets a new benchmark at the position.
As for Samuel, his impact was undeniable, even if the team around him struggled. But with his contract up, there’s no guarantee he’s back in the burgundy and gold next season.
Meanwhile, cornerback Marshon Lattimore-another splashy acquisition-is reportedly on the verge of being released. That signals a shift in philosophy. Peters might be leaning toward a more sustainable, draft-and-develop model rather than continuing to burn through premium assets on trades.
But that hasn’t stopped outside voices from urging Washington to go bold again.
One name being floated? Brian Thomas Jr.
The Jacksonville Jaguars wideout, who shared the field with Daniels at LSU, is coming off a season that saw his production dip after a breakout rookie year. That’s sparked some chatter about whether the Jaguars might be open to moving him-and whether the Commanders should pounce.
There’s no denying the chemistry between Daniels and Thomas. Back in Baton Rouge, they torched SEC defenses on a weekly basis, and their connection helped both players become first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. Reuniting them in Washington could give Daniels a familiar target and potentially reignite Thomas’ trajectory.
But it’s not that simple.
Thomas’ rookie numbers were no joke: 87 catches, 1,287 yards, and 10 touchdowns. That kind of production doesn’t come easy, and Jacksonville knows it.
Even with a quieter second year-thanks in part to the addition of Jakobi Meyers-Thomas still carries significant value. The Jaguars aren’t likely to let him walk without a hefty return.
And that’s where things get tricky for Washington.
The Commanders are short on draft capital, and after last year’s aggressive moves, they may not be in a position to outbid other suitors if Thomas does hit the trade block. More importantly, they need to think long-term.
Building around Daniels means creating a sustainable structure-one that includes a reliable offensive line, a deep receiver room, and a defense that can hold its own. That takes time, smart drafting, and yes, patience.
If Washington had made another deep playoff run, maybe you could justify another all-in move. But that’s not the reality right now. The foundation is still being laid, and while the idea of bringing in a familiar face like Thomas is tempting, the Commanders might be better served staying the course and building from within.
That doesn’t mean Peters should close the door on all trade talks. But it does mean he needs to be selective-and strategic.
The Commanders have a young quarterback with sky-high potential, a cornerstone left tackle, and possibly the cap space to make some smart additions in free agency. The pieces are starting to come together.
Now it’s about putting them in the right places.