6 Commanders players who could spark a late-summer trade scramble

Training camp is just a few short days away, and there is a lot for the Washington Commanders to get through. But for general manager Adam Peters, he will always be thinking two steps ahead.

The competition for roster spots is probably better than at any stage of Peters' tenure so far. This was imperative to improve the Commanders' chances of responding positively to last season's setback, and the urgency was notably high throughout OTAs and minicamp. At the same time, the fun is just getting started.

Peters will be keeping a close eye on developments. He's constantly looking for ways to improve the roster, and his ruthless mindset is enough to keep everyone on edge. And if some players are clearly not part of the team's plans, he may even be able to bolster the Commanders' draft picks before final cuts are made.

This is something the Commanders have done in the past with players like wide receiver Jahan Dotson and defensive lineman John Ridgeway III. Obviously, you need a willing partner, but there is enough talent on Washington's roster to get interest after a busy offseason on the recruitment front.

With this in mind, here are six Commanders players who could be potential trade chips before Week 1.

Washington Commanders players who could spark a late-summer trade scramble

Jake Moody and Drew Stevens - Commanders PKs

Teams have been known to panic when it comes to the kicking position. This is something the Commanders could use to their advantage later in the summer.

The life of a kicker is day-to-day. One minute you're the toast of the town, and the next, you're placed on the chopping block. Teams are ruthless, and NFL history is littered with late summer trades for kickers who may be available.

Adam Peters did this with Cade York over his first offseason, striking a deal with the Cleveland Browns for a conditional seventh-round pick, but he lasted just one game before being cut. It's been a revolving door ever since, which provoked the Commanders into a legitimate battle between veteran Jake Moody and undrafted rookie Drew Stevens this summer.

It's too close to call right now, with both players staking a strong claim over Washington's offseason program. Moody has the experience, but Stevens has longer-term upside. Whoever falls behind in the pecking order could be traded for a conditional late-round pick before final cuts.

Moody will not be giving up his spot without a fight. He's well-versed in responding to challenges during a rollercoaster career so far. The Commanders thought enough of Stevens to give him a rookie contract when interest from elsewhere quickly emerged before rookie minicamp, and he's made a positive impact over his first few weeks with the franchise.

Head coach Dan Quinn wants to take this competition right through the preseason before making a call, but Peters would be wise to work the phones before outright cutting the loser of this intense battle.

Jerome Ford - Commanders RB

The Washington Commanders' running back dynamic is in the process of shaking out. Both head coach Dan Quinn and running backs coach Anthony Lynn don't know how things will unfold, but the likelihood centers on a committee approach when the regular season begins.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt and free-agent signing Rachaad White are the frontrunners to gain prominent reps. There is also significant intrigue around sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen, who brings an elite mentality and physical approach that is quickly making him a fan favorite.

Those three look like roster locks, meaning there could be one spot for the rest. Undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. is an outsider aiming to surprise. Jeremy McNichols brings experience and special teams value. There is also Jerome Ford, who signed a one-year deal with the club this offseason.

Ford fell out of favor with the Cleveland Browns last season, but he's a home-run hitter who could force his way into Washington's plans. His skill set is similar to that of Croskey-Merritt and White, so a situation could also arise where Adam Peters scours the market for a team looking for running back assistance.

The 2022 fifth-round pick out of Cincinnati is already being touted as a trade candidate by some. But if Ford impresses enough, he'll be on the squad.

Drake Jackson - Commanders OLB

The Commanders rightfully prioritized their edge-rushing options this offseason. Adam Peters overlooked the position group last year and paid a heavy price, so he was never going to make the same mistake again.

Now, the Commanders' pass-rush could be an area of strength if everyone meets expectations. It also means that competition for places is fierce a little lower down the depth chart.

Not everyone will go through. Some are going to miss out, but there is enough intriguing talent to potentially get a trade offer if Peters lets people know that a certain player is not going to be part of their plans.

In this scenario, Drake Jackson could be an intriguing option, albeit with a massive caveat attached. The edge rusher has undoubted talent, but staying healthy remains the key factor that will make or break his career from here on.

The San Francisco 49ers eventually gave up on Jackson last season. Peters was part of the war room that drafted him in the second round, and he was willing to give him a shot. The USC product got back healthy late in the season and flashed some impressive qualities when tasked with defensive reps. It wasn't perfect, but it was a major step in the right direction.

If Jackson gets a full summer of work, he could sneak his way onto the 53-man roster. If others are preferred, renewed health could be enough to entice another team to take the plunge.

Van Jefferson Jr. - Commanders WR

The Washington Commanders have a surplus in their wide receiver room. Terry McLaurin is the undisputed alpha and the only one with any semblance of high-end production, but hopes are high that some of the younger players can step up into more important roles.

Washington's options behind McLaurin can be best described as complementary pieces. There isn't a legitimate No. 2 option, which is why speculation is so rampant around another dependable pass-catcher being sought before Week 1. The Commanders are hoping one or two break out, but that's to be determined.

Not everyone is going to make it. A couple of good wideouts will be made surplus to requirements, especially if someone like Stefon Diggs joins the ranks. Teams are always looking to bolster their wide receiver depth, which could lead Adam Peters to find some value in a trade before final cuts.

That's where Van Jefferson Jr. comes in.

The veteran receiver is still on the roster bubble despite a strong start over OTAs and mandatory minicamp. He's got more experience and better numbers than most, but if the young upstarts all start to overtake Jefferson in the pecking order, plans will change quickly.

This would be nothing more than a Day 3 pick or even a pick swap, but something is better than nothing.

Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB

This is one of the more contentious. And it would be a mistake.

However, linebacker Frankie Luvu's future beyond the 2026 campaign could present a scenario where the Commanders look to get something back in return.

Luvu was a revelation for the Commanders in Year 1 with the club, earning second-team All-Pro honors. His partnership with Bobby Wagner was sensational, providing a solid, inspirational base that the entire defense fed off. Couple this with his leadership and relentless mentality, and this had all the makings of a potential franchise cornerstone.

Things tailed off last season. Luvu was asked to spend more time on the edge, where he wasn't comfortable. New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is switching him back to an off-ball role, but the additions of Leo Chenal and Sonny Styles could eat into his playing time.

The Commanders need all the help they can get right now. Luvu is the sort of player everyone looks toward for encouragement, so it would need to be a pretty good offer to even tempt Adam Peters.

But if Chenal, Styles, and perhaps even Jordan Magee all shine over the summer and into the 2026 campaign, the Washington State product may be expendable in a contract year.

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This article was originally published on riggosrag.com as 6 Commanders players who could spark a late-summer trade scramble.