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Washington is a team without many impact players, and one who is switching both its offensive and defensive schemes this year. The need to get younger and better is evident, but the plan of how to accomplish those goals is not.
Many suspect that Washington will be major players in free agency, but Adam Peters’ past has shown that a more conservative approach may be in the cards.
With limited top 100 draft picks, the chances of finding multiple young impact players diminishes significantly.
If only there was a way for Washington to generate more draft compensation in 2026…
Maybe, just maybe, Adam Peters has a few tricks up his sleeve when it comes to some veteran players currently on this team.
I’m talking trades!
The list of players below are some I feel would garner the most interest if they were made available.
Terry McLaurin
Although this might not be a popular take among the fanbase, McLaurin could be a great veteran presence for a team looking for that final piece to get them over the hump. The Bills, Patriots and Ravens come to mind.
Why he could be a trade candidate: The Commanders need to get younger, and Terry, who will turn 31 years old in September, may not be a part of their future plans. The deal he signed last year was essentially a two-year commitment, however if another team is willing to part with a top 64 draft pick for his services, he could be a commitment for another franchise.
- Potential trade compensation: second or high third-round pick.
Daron Payne
Payne, a 2018 first round draft pick who will turn 29 in May, is in the final year of a four-year, $90 million contract that carries a $27.5 million dollar cap hit this season. Payne offers scheme versatility as he can play all the inside techniques in any defensive front.
Why he could be a trade candidate: Payne is currently set to play out the final year of his second contract in Washington. Although scheme fit in a 3-4 shouldn’t be a concern, Adam Peters may want to see if he can get some compensation for the veteran while he’s still in his prime. Despite struggles all over the defense last season, Payne was still effective, finishing inside the top five among all defensive tackles in run-stop win-rate.
- Potential trade compensation: third-round pick
Brandon Coleman
Coleman was drafted as an offensive tackle in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft and went on to start 12 games at left tackle. Although he struggled a bit, the upside was evident. After trading for Laremy Tunsil, the assumption was Coleman would kick over to right tackle – that is until Adam Peters selected Josh Conerly at pick 29 in the 2025 NFL Draft. Coleman was moved to left guard where he lost the starting battle to veteran Chris Paul. He ended up being the team’s swing tackle for the 2025 season. The 25-year-old would have some serious suitors for lineman-needy teams if he were to be made available.
Why he could be a trade candidate: Washington currently has their two bookend tackles and right guard set. There is a possibility that Quinn and Peters will push to re-sign Chris Paul, who did a really nice job at left guard in 2025. The team also just re-signed Andrew Wylie who can play both tackle and guard. This could leave Coleman as a reserve yet again in 2026.
- Potential trade compensation: third-round pick
Dorance Armstrong
Armstrong is in the final year of a three-year deal he signed with the team as a free agent in 2024. The 29-year-old carries a cap hit of $12 million for the 2026 season, and although he is coming off injury, he was on pace for his best season as a pro in 2025, collecting 24 total tackles, seven for a loss, and five-and-a-half sacks in just seven games before being placed in injured reserve.
Why he could be a trade candidate: Armstrong is best suited as a defensive end in a 4-3 where he can play with his hand in the dirt. He doesn’t have the athleticism required to play in space as a 3-4 outside linebacker. If the move to a 3-4 is eminent, Armstrong may not be the best guy to have on the edge.
- Potential trade compensation: mid-round pick
Frankie Luvu
Luvu had a career year in 2024 (his first season with the Commanders) collecting 99 total tackles, 12 for a loss, eight sacks, one forced fumble and an interception on his way to being named as a second team All-Pro. He came back down to earth in 2025, where he split time between EDGE and off-the-ball linebacker. He is in the final year of a three-year deal he signed in 2024 and carries an $11 million dollar cap hit.
Why he could be a trade candidate: Although he’s been mentioned by Daronte Jones as a chess piece that can be moved around the defense, he’s also a guy who could be stuck without a true position. He lacks the speed and coverage skills necessary to be an effective off-the-ball linebacker in a base 3-4, and he’s not an outside linebcker who can consistently line up on the outside and rush the passer and set the edge.
- Potential trade compensation: mid-round pick
With the exception of Brandon Coleman, who is still playing out his rookie contract, the others on this list are very unlikely to be here past 2026. Peters could potentially play the compensation pick game with guys like Payne, Luvu and Armstrong hoping to get back some draft picks when they hit free agency, but no one knows how things will shape up after the 2026 season.
This draft is pretty deep as some positions of need for Washington, and more picks could help with the rebuild. EDGE, linebacker, wide receiver and corner, all positions that Washington could use an infusion of talent and youth, offers some intriguing prospects well after day one.
Now, I do not expect a mass trade exodus this offseason, but I do think this topic is worth some discussion around the players I have listed. Would it shock me if we saw one of these players moved before April’s draft – absolutely not.