Analyst warns Commanders may move shocking player (and it’s not who you think)

The Washington Commanders are all about adding talent these days. But general manager Adam Peters has had no trouble ruthlessly disposing of those who don't fit into the team's plans.

One NFL analyst touted a potential outgoing in Washington before Week 1 against the New York Giants rolls around. And the player in question was somewhat surprising.

Peters held firm at the running back position this offseason. Fans were hoping for a more drastic approach, but the front-office leader is confident that the options already around can be more consistent when the offensive line improves accordingly.

NFL analyst thinks Commanders could trade Austin Ekeler this offseason

There was one notable addition in the form of seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt. His impressive start over early workouts led Douglas Fritz from Clutch Points to the notion that Washington should consider trading veteran dual-threat Austin Ekeler if the right offer comes along.

"To be clear, [Austin] Ekeler’s best NFL days are behind him. One of the reasons for that has been his usage. In eight NFL seasons, Ekeler has 1,542 touches. That’s a boatload. Now add in the fact that he’s coming off an injury-plagued season with the dreaded concussion. Further complicating his spot on the roster has been the emergence of a rookie seventh-round selection. Jacory Croskey-Merritt could make Ekeler expendable (a.k.a. tradeable) if he continues to flash NFL-ready signs during the upcoming training camp."

 

Douglas Fritz

This is a non-starter even if the Commanders deemed Ekeler expendable, which they shouldn't. The former Western Colorado standout is 30 years old now. As Fritz mentioned, he's also coming off a campaign where he suffered some significant concussion issues, which doesn't exactly inspire confidence from a durability standpoint.

Ekeler will play an important role next season. Croskey-Merritt is getting all the hype, but he's still a seventh-round pick with a lot of hard work ahead before he's ready to shoulder a heavy burden.

That might happen in 2026. Until then, Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. will take the lead. Both are in the final year of their respective deals, so whether they're around next year is anyone's guess. That doesn't detract from how pivotal this duo is to Washington's success next time around.

The Commanders will continue to deploy Ekeler as their pass-catching option out of the backfield. It might be worth taking him off kick return duties to avoid the risk of another concussion. He won't like it, but Washington has younger players like Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane capable of assuming the role.

As for a trade? That's highly unlikely at best.