Is this a risk worth taking?
The Washington Commanders have more positivity around the organization than most fans can remember. A 3-1 start to the campaign coupled with a solid foundation for the future under this exciting new regime have the team's long-suffering support dreaming big for the first time in decades. That might also change general manager Adam Peters' approach with the trade deadline on the immediate horizon.
Peters has a long-term plan in place to build through the draft and provide a sustainable platform to turn the Commanders into a playoff-contending force. He's also been aggressive in the trade market when the former San Francisco 49ers executive believes there's a deal to be had. They've been mostly trade-downs in the draft and outgoings so far. Could that change in the not-too-distant future?
Commanders could involve themselves in the Davante Adams sweepstakes
Davante Adams is seemingly on his way elsewhere after his relationship with the Las Vegas Raiders broke down further. The Commanders are reportedly going to throw their hat into the ring according to uStadium. This follows on from Dan Graziano of ESPN's report that Washington was looking to add another wideout before the trade deadline if the right opportunity comes along.
Some fans believe the stars could be aligning for a bombshell move to bring Adams into the fold. Peters must assess the risk versus reward of such a big transaction before pulling the trigger.
He needs to determine if Washington's incredible start is a flash in the pan or the start of something more. He needs to assess the financial implications, the potential compensation attached, and how that fits into his current roster-building ethos. At the same time, this franchise must also capitalize on having a highly productive quarterback on a rookie deal over the next three years before Jayden Daniels becomes extension-eligible.
Daniels is an absolute superstar in the making. Giving him another prolific weapon such as Adams to go alongside Terry McLaurin and other promising young pass-catchers such as Luke McCaffrey could help the signal-caller reach levels not seen in Washington for some time. However, the Commanders are not one piece away from becoming legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
It would be surprising if Peters made this sort of move. The Niners made plenty of them when he was an influential figure within their front office, but they built a strong platform first. If another productive pass-catcher becomes available closer to the trade deadline that comes with less compensation attached, things might be different. But acquiring Adams doesn't fit into the team's plans this early into such a substantial rebuild.
Never say never when it comes to the NFL. Adams' credentials are evident and there's no doubt he could assist in some capacity. It's the sort of bold addition typically associated with the previous owner that typically blew up in his face. Peters is doing things differently and with far more conviction.
Adams will end up somewhere like the New York Jets or potentially the Baltimore Ravens looking at the current landscape around the league. The Commanders should do their due diligence. Just don't expect anything concrete to emerge after that.
