Commanders Could Trade for James Cook in Blockbuster Prediction

The Washington Commanders had a potent rushing attack last season en route to a 12-5 record and conference championship berth. That ground game was dominated by the dual-threat prowess of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, but the running backs also held their own.

Offensive coordinator guru Kliff Kingsbury has spoken highly of starter Brian Robinson Jr. as well as veteran contributor Austin Ekeler and returning pieces Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. He could be content rolling out this group again in 2025.

The Commanders traded for Pro Bowl weapons as more help to other areas of the offense in left tackle Laremy Tunsil and versatile receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.

They'll have an explosive offense again this season, but another trade could possibility add even more firepower.

Jarrett Bailey of the Sporting News picks Washington as a logical trade partner with the Buffalo Bills for star running back James Cook.

Cook, who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season (16), is in the midst of a contract dispute with the Bills front office. While Buffalo hasn't explicitly engaged in any trade talks, not paying their leading rusher after the Bills' other important pieces were re-signed this offseason raises some eyebrows about a potential divorce.

Should both sides be interested, Bailey predicts the always active Washington GM Adam Peters to send Buffalo valuable draft capital in exchange for the ball carrier.

WAS gets: RB James Cook, 2026 fourth-round pick

BUF gets: 2026 third-round pick, 2026 sixth-round pick

This move could push the Commanders deeper into Super Bowl contention, but might greatly limit their flexibility for the future.

Trading away a Day 2 NFL Draft pick would leave Washington with no Day 2 selections next year after sending one to Houston in the deal that brought in Tunsil. That comes after only picking five rookies in this year's Draft.

While it makes sense to improve the roster as much as possible to maximize Daniels' cheap rookie contract, this aggressiveness is a major gamble with only one payoff: a Super Bowl title.

If they don't win immediately? The Commanders would be pretty handcuffed in trying to keep that core together.

As crazy as it sounds, Washington might be better off holding onto their already slim draft capital because they may not need a guy like James Cook.

If last season was any indication of the future, the Commanders are already in a Super Bowl window with the offense they currently have.

While the Cook situation is intriguing to poke around at, it's safe to assume that Washington is comfortable with where they are offensively.