Commanders could make shocking trade for an obvious target after missing on top free agents to fix major problem
The Commanders have been aggressive, although they missed adding a top WR during free agency, but they could complete one big trade to fix that.
The Washington Commanders were looking to be aggressive and take a big swing in free agency, but they unfortunately missed on one of the biggest.
They took a massive swing at WR Alec Pierce, and ESPN’s John Kiem said he would’ve signed with the Commanders if he did leave in free agency, but he stayed with the Colts. Now the Commanders need to pivot and attack the WR position.
Their answer this offseason could actually be a move that nobody expects to happen, but makes sense.
The Commanders should trade for WR Brian Thomas Jr.
The Commanders haven’t just been sitting around, and after missing on Pierce, they continued to look under every stone for their next answer. The one move that makes sense would be trading for WR Brian Thomas Jr, who is available according to reports. NFL reporter Connor Hughes with SNYTV says that the Jacksonville Jaguars are entertaining calls for Thomas Jr, and the Commanders should be all over that if so.
Thomas Jr. had an exceptional rookie season, but then a down 2025 season where he had struggles with 10 drops has him as a trade target this offseason. The Jaguars won’t trade him for nothing, of course, but he could be had for the right price.
Thomas Jr. was a top WR at LSU with QB Jayden Daniels, which led to him being drafted No. 23 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His 6-4, 205-pound frame would be a great addition to the Commanders’ WR room, and they need a future WR1 with 2026 likely being Terry McLaurin’s last season in Washington.
How the Commanders can trade for Brian Thomas Jr
Of course, people will freak out and ask what picks they could trade, but there’s a scenario where I believe the Commanders can keep six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, while acquiring Thomas Jr.
My proposal is a 2026 pick swap where the Commanders send the No. 71 overall pick to the Jaguars for their No. 81 overall pick, which weighs out to a fourth-round pick. The Commanders could also add their 2027 third-round pick, so it would essentially be a third and a fourth-round pick.
The Commanders would move back 10 spots, but still keep a third-round pick, and obtain a 23-year-old WR who played with Daniels and had 1,200 yards with 10 touchdowns in his rookie season. Even if the Commanders add a pricey WR in free agency, they need to at least try to trade for Thomas Jr, who can be the now and the future at the position while he’s still on a rookie contract.