Commanders make blockbuster trade for star player at major need before 2026 NFL Draft in latest mock trade scenario
The Washington Commanders still have a lot of holes to fill in the 2026 NFL Draft, but one recent trade scenario has them trading away picks for a top player at a premium position.
The Washington Commanders are looking to continue reloading in the offseason as they approach the 2026 NFL Draft.
There are still plenty of moves they could make before then with free agents still available, but that’s not the only move. FOX Sports’ latest article has a strong trade proposal that would push them over the hump and comes at a reasonable cost.
FOX Sports proposes the Washington Commanders trade for Pittsburgh Steelers WR D.K. Metcalf
FOX Sports Senior NFL Writer Ralph Vacchiano wrote an article about a trade that every NFC team should make. The Washington Commanders still need a top WR this offseason, and Vacchiano proposes they trade for star WR D.K. Metcalf before the draft.
Vacchiano has the Commanders trading their 2026 third-round pick (No. 71 overall) and their 2027 fifth-round pick for Metcalf. This would be a no-brainer in my opinion, even if they just have six picks in the NFL Draft.
“The idea of the Steelers trading him all depends on what happens with Aaron Rodgers, and whether Pittsburgh goes for it all in 2026 or goes into a rebuilding mode. They did just trade for Michael Pittman, so their cupboard wouldn’t be bare without Metcalf. And Metcalf was a bit of a disappointment last season with just 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns as Rodgers struggled to find him downfield.
He’d have better luck with the younger, stronger Jayden Daniels throwing him the ball. And the Commanders are desperate for a WR opposite Terry McLaurin. Metcalf cost the Steelers a second-round pick. But after a down year, and with three years and more than $100 million left on his contract, something less would do.” – Ralph Vacchiano, FOX Sports
Why the Washington Commanders should trade for D.K. Metcalf
Yes, giving up the Washington Commanders’ third-round pick wouldn’t be ideal for the draft, but landing Metcalf could be worth it. Metcalf is still just 28 years old, and he’s already under contract for another three years. He does come with a pretty hefty contract and a salary cap hit of $31+ million over the next three years.
2026 could be Terry McLaurin’s final year in Washington with his own hefty increase in salary cap, so Metcalf could take his place after next season. Metcalf is 6-4, 229 pounds, and can still dominate downfield. The Washington Commanders could take a WR at No. 71 overall, but there’s no guarantee he will hit.
They’ve been aggressive this offseason in trying to land a top WR option, and maybe that continues after striking out many times.