The Washington Commanders' window is open. Jayden Daniels is the superstar quarterback this team has craved for decades. Surrounding him with everything needed to thrive long-term is among Adam Peters' biggest priorities during the offseason.
And it just so happens that one of the league's elite separators is officially available for trade.
Daniels worked miracles with the options at his disposal as a rookie. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft demonstrated the work ethic, flawless poise, and ability to relish the big occasion that transformed an entire franchise. Washington reached the final four against all odds. Kicking on to make this immediate success more sustainable is the tricky part.
The Commanders are well placed to be aggressive in pursuit of maximizing Daniels' rookie contract. They have the most available salary-cap space in the NFC as things stand. Peters also has seven draft selections, so there's a level of flexibility attached to his recruitment strategy.
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp rounded off a dramatic day around the NFL by announcing via social media that the Los Angeles Rams were making him available for trade. This came just a few short hours after Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett handed in a trade request, which sent the rumor mill into overdrive.
Commanders could explore trade for Cooper Kupp to help Jayden Daniels
Kupp was disappointed by the Rams' decision. However, the Triple Crown winner is eager to embrace what comes next and find the right team — one with legitimate chances to contend immediately.
"I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA. 2024 began with one of the best training camps of my career. Preparations start now for 2025. Highly motivated, as healthy as ever, and looking forward to playing elite football for years to come. But coming for it all."Cooper Kupp
This would be a significant addition to the Commanders. Kupp's dealt with some injury issues in recent years, but he remains one of the league's best when firing on all cylinders. If Peters believes this can help Daniels take the next step into genuine NFL MVP discussions, he won't hesitate to pull the trigger.
Kupp is an outstanding route technician and a menace over intermediate routes. He's a dynamic threat after the catch and is dependable in critical moments. Putting him alongside Terry McLaurin is a mouthwatering proposition that the Commanders will examine carefully.
There are downsides. Kupp isn't getting any younger despite high-level production when healthy. The injury concerns cannot be ignored either. There's also the small matter of the financial commitment attached over the final two years of his deal.
Much like any transaction, there are pros and cons. Peters will take everything into account before deciding. This appears more likely than selling the farm for Garrett, but there is a lot more risk attached too.
It's another option for the shortlist if nothing else. But the fact Washington is being linked among the suitors for Kupp and Garrett is a testament to how far they've come in a short space of time.
Watch this space…
