The Washington Commanders are off to a sensational start to the 2024 campaign with the emergence of Jayden Daniels in his first season. As such, the Commanders’ timeline to compete has been greatly accelerated.
Knowing that, Washington should be looking to improve its roster any way it can ahead of the 2024 NFL trade deadline, which falls on Nov. 5. One area that could improve for Washington is the pass-rush.
Granted, the Commanders are off to a strong start in that department, ranking tied for ninth in the NFL in sacks, but teams can never have enough pass-rush help and Washington lacks a truly dominant player off the edge.
One NFL analyst, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, suggested the Commanders as a possible trade suitor for disgruntled New York Jets pass-rusher, Haason Reddick. Here’s his thoughts:
“The Washington Commanders may also want to kick the tires on a Reddick trade. Washington is a surprising 4-1, thanks largely to the stellar play of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Adding Reddick could help balance out the team and improve its 20th-ranked scoring defense.”
Reddick would certainly provide an upgrade for Washington. The two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher has been one of the most consistent in the NFL the last handful of years, tallying double-digit sacks in each, including a career-high 16 in 2022.
Reddick, who is in the final year of his three-year, $45 million deal, remains in a standoff with the Jets, who are unwilling to give him the extension he desires.
That means Washington would have to work out a long-term deal with Reddick before it even considers pulling the trigger on a trade, but that’s something the Commanders can afford to do with $25.8 million in cap space right now, and a projected $121.4 million in cap space in 2025.
Thanks to Daniels, the Commanders have an offense that can help this team make some noise in 2024. Now, all Washington has to do is shore up the defense and it could really be in business.
