Two potential trades that make sense for Commanders

Will the Washington Commanders make a move at the trade deadline? What happens in Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams could help determine general manager Adam Peters’ strategy this week. Defensive tackle Daron Payne was considered Washington’s most tradeable asset at the trade deadline, with multiple teams reportedly interested. However, just days before the Commanders’ Week 7 game against the Philadelphia Eagles , Payne fractured his foot in practice, forcing him to miss the rest of the 2026 season. That was difficult news not only for the Commanders on the field and their chances of contending for the NFC East, but also for landing extra picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. Washington still has moves it could make to bring back additional Day 3 picks. Bill Barnwell of ESPN named two potential moves that could make sense for the Commanders. First, Barnwell said backup guard/tackle Andrew Wylie could be an ideal target for the Jacksonville Jaguars . Commanders utility lineman Andrew Wylie can credibly play both guard and tackle and has 17 playoff starts on his résumé. The 32-year-old hasn't been needed in Washington this season, even after Laremy Tunsil's preseason injury, with Wylie playing just 17 offensive snaps so far. Given that Walker Little and Cole Van Lanen have played left tackle for the Jags over the past 12 months, Wylie could be a backup at guard and a potential replacement at right tackle if one of those two goes down. This makes sense for Washington. Wylie is in his fourth season with the Commanders. He’s started a lot of games at guard and tackle. Now, he’s a swing tackle for Washington, and he’s important because of his versatility. But if he can fetch you a pick back, it makes sense to trade him. However, if the Commanders still believe they're in NFC East contention, holding on to Wylie makes more sense. The next trade from Barnwell mentioned cornerback Mike Sainristil to the Kansas City Chiefs. [Chiefs GM Brent] Veach has preferred to take low-cost shots on young cornerbacks from other organizations in years past, trusting defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to develop them into useful contributors. Struggling Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil would qualify as an opportunity to land a young contributor on the cheap. He was very good as a rookie before taking a step back in 2025 and another in 2026. Sainristil originally came into the league as a slot option before earning a starting role on the outside; could the Chiefs move Sainristil back inside and get more out of the 2024 second-round pick? This makes sense from both sides. Sainristil has struggled the last two seasons and has shown no signs of a turnaround. He’s limited physically, and now he’s playing with no confidence. He didn’t play one snap at cornerback last week. So why keep him around? Sure, it would be a bummer to admit the organization failed with another young cornerback, but it’s smart to just cut your losses and get something back while you still can.