Commanders’ disappointing situation can become a blessing in disguise with the NFL trade market heating up

The Commanders could make trade news soon.

Josh Taylor Washington Commanders News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The NFL trade market is heating up more than usual with the deadline approaching, and the Washington Commanders could be one of the next teams to participate.

We’ve seen multiple trades go down over the last few weeks, with some even being in the Commanders’ division. The trade deadline isn’t until Nov. 4, but teams are already active and looking to acquire or move certain players.

The Commanders are the perfect team to call if you need an offensive lineman, thanks to one situation that nobody expected.

The Commanders could trade Brandon Coleman

Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders offensive tackle Brandon Coleman (74) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

I didn’t expect to be saying this after the first few weeks of the 2025 season, but there’s a strong possibility Brandon Coleman won’t be a Commander by the time the trade deadline approaches.

He made the move from left tackle to left guard going into his second season, and it didn’t go well at all. In fact, he was benched after just two games, and he’s been a healthy scratch since. Chris Paul took over and has been flawless. There’s no reason for Coleman to just be inactive when the Commanders have options.

Coleman was a third-round pick in 2024, and some teams might be willing to take a swing on him. He has the versatility teams need, with the ability to play tackle and guard. Coleman’s rookie contract is also enticing for a team and leaves no financial burden on the Commanders.

Brandon Coleman’s contract information on SpotracSpotrac

Sam Cosmi’s return could speed things up

I already mentioned how Paul is the starter at left guard now, but the Commanders are getting right guard Sam Cosmi back as soon as this week or next, which makes the trade even easier. The Commanders would still have Andrew Wylie and Nick Allegretti as depth pieces, and Coleman would continue to be inactive.

Possible trade compensation and partners

Coleman is healthy and under a rookie contract until 2028, and teams need premium positions like offensive linemen. We’ve already seen Cam Robinson be traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns after he was inactive. The Commanders should reach out to the Cincinnati Bengals, who are already buyers, the Tennessee Titans, and the Houston Texans as teams that need help on the offensive line.

The Commanders could get a late fifth-round pick for Coleman, or add their seventh-round pick for better compensation. They have a first, a third, a fifth, two sixths, and a seventh-rounder. The trade for Laremy Tunsil took the second and fourth round picks for 2026, but they also got the extra sixth from the Brian Robinson Jr. trade.

Commanders general manager Adam Peters is known to make moves before the trade deadline, like he did last season when he traded for corner Marshon Lattimore, and it shouldn’t be surprising if he is active once again.