The Washington Commanders have been incredibly active in the trade market since Adam Peters became general manager. Things were more eventful than ever this offseason, which signified a belief that the team's Super Bowl window was open again after decades in the wilderness.
Substantial resources have been spent, although the future financial flexibility remains. That hasn't stopped one analyst from touting another blockbuster move that could propel the Commanders into Super Bowl favoritism.
Peters outlined confidence in the team's running back options this offseason. Kliff Kingsbury recently praised Brian Robinson Jr. for his renewed focus in a contract year. Austin Ekeler has proven production as a dual-threat weapon despite his advancing years. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. were both re-signed. And the acquisition of seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt brings intrigue.
That might be the group Peters rolls with during the regular season. However, one NFL analyst thought the Commanders should swing for the fences to provide quarterback Jayden Daniels with another elite-level option in the backfield.
Commanders touted as potential trade suitor for Bills RB James Cook
Jarrett Bailey from Sporting News listed the Commanders among the potential suitors for James Cook. The Buffalo Bills standout is looking for a new deal that hasn't arrived as yet. With 3,521 all-purpose yards and 27 touchdowns over his first three seasons in the league, he wants to be paid accordingly. And there is something of a standoff brewing between the player and his current employers.
It would be surprising if some common ground wasn't reached. If not, Bailey thought the Commanders could make a bold bid for the Georgia graduate despite their limited draft assets in 2026.
"The Commanders are clearly going all in to take advantage of Jayden Daniels' rookie contract. They traded for Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and now they can get a high-caliber running back, as well. [James] Cook leading the way in the backfield with Terry McLaurin and Samuel serving as Daniels' top targets would make the Commanders even more dangerous."
Jarrett Bailey
There is no doubt Cook could turn the Commanders into the league's most prolific offense. That doesn't mean Peters will make a play even if the Bills become receptive to offers.
Giving up their third-rounder means Washington would be without a Day 2 pick in 2026 after shipping their second-rounder to the Houston Texans for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. That's not ideal, but the Commanders are eager to maximize Daniels' rookie contract before it gets much more expensive to keep him around.
Trading for Cook would also need to come with a contract extension immediately. Spotrac projects the former second-round pick to get a four-year, $40.83 million deal, which worked out at $10.2 million annually and would rank No. 6 among the highest-paid running backs around the NFL. And even that might be a conservative estimate.
Acquiring Cook would be another massive statement of intent. However, this doesn't seem realistic, and the Bills are not in the habit of letting important players entering their prime leave the organization in any capacity.
Still, it's fun to think about.
