The Washington Commanders made a splash last season, emerging as one of the NFL’s biggest surprises. The key to their success? The electrifying play of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and nearly single-handedly transformed the franchise, leading them to the NFC Championship game. It’s clear that general manager Adam Peters recognizes the potential stardom in Daniels and sees a window of opportunity to leverage his talents while he’s still on that rookie contract.
This offseason, Peters has bolstered the offense significantly, trading for two impactful players: tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. With these additions, the Commanders have assembled a roster that has the pieces to contend in the NFC, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Yet, if there’s a notable vulnerability, it’s in their running back room. Brian Robinson Jr. provides a steady, if not flashy, presence as an early-down grinder. However, he lacks the dynamic game-changing ability that an elite running back can provide.
Another option, Austin Ekeler, once epitomized that kind of dynamism, but as he approaches his age-30 season, it’s becoming evident that his best days may already be behind him. This begs the question: will a Robinson-Ekeler tandem be enough for a team with lofty aspirations?
When we turn our attention to another potential reinforcement, all eyes are on Christian McCaffrey. Once heralded as the premier running back in the league, McCaffrey’s multifaceted game has been marred by durability issues, notably last season when injuries sidelined him for four games. Despite that setback, there’s still a strong belief around the league that McCaffrey can return to elite form.
There’s chatter suggesting that the Commanders could target McCaffrey this offseason to further enhance their offensive arsenal for the 2025 season. The rationale? Aligning McCaffrey with young superstar Jayden Daniels could create an explosive backfield, allowing both players to thrive. Moreover, the narrative of McCaffrey playing alongside his brother, Luke McCaffrey, adds a heartwarming twist to a potential move.
But would this trade make practical sense? The Commanders are making bold moves to go all-in for the upcoming season, but adding a seasoned running back with a history of injuries is a different matter. The financial implications are equally daunting, with McCaffrey carrying cap hits exceeding $20 million over the next two years. When round-two draft capital is on the table, the case for such a trade becomes harder to justify.
While McCaffrey, when healthy, offers unparalleled talent, it might be more prudent for the Commanders to explore fresh talent from this year’s draft class. There’s a solid depth of running back prospects available, many of whom have the potential to be game-changers at a far lower cost than McCaffrey’s steep contract demands.
Sure, seeing McCaffrey in a Commanders uniform would certainly light up the fan base and present a thrilling family storyline, but the complexities of the deal could ultimately steer Washington toward pursuing a younger, more affordable alternative to fortify their ground game. This offseason will be pivotal for the Commanders as they look to craft the perfect blend of experience and youth to make their championship dreams a reality.
