29 October 2023 , 22:56
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Week 8 brought a sliding doors moment for the Washington Commanders but despite a commendable showing against the high-flying Philadelphia Eagles, they suffered a damaging defeat that will have significant consequences.
Victory for the Commanders would have lifted Ron Riviera's team to 4-4, putting them squarely in the race for a wildcard playoff berth. But a highly productive offensive display was not enough to inspire a victory against the Eagles (7-1), with the Commanders slumping to 3-5 on the year.
With the Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys (5-2) to contend within the NFC East, the Commanders' slim hopes of winning the division are all but over, and their wildcard chances suffered a huge blow, too.
And with the NFL trade deadline looming on Tuesday, the Commanders are poised to act, with a potential exodus on the cards. All trades must be completed by 4pm ET, and Washington are expected to take the chance to stock up on draft capital.
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According to ESPN, the Commanders' plans for the trade deadline hinged on the result of Sunday's game. Had they beat the Eagles, the front office was willing to roll the dice and keep hold star defensive linemen Montez Sweat and Chase Young, whose contracts expire at the end of the season.
But with the Commanders' playoff hopes on the brink, the team is set to welcome calls for former first-round picks Sweat and Young to recoup draft picks with a rebuild likely in the upcoming offseason after new ownership – a consortium led by Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris – took charge on the eve of this season.
Defensive end Montez Sweat is available for trade before Tuesday's deadline. (Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Both Young and Sweat are sure to command lucrative contracts at the end of their rookie contracts, and the Commanders have accepted they are unlikely to be able to afford to keep both on the roster heading into 2024. And if the Commanders lose the pair as free agents upon the conclusion of this season, they will only receive low-value compensatory picks in the 2025 draft.
The pass rushers are not the only Commanders players who could be traded. Veteran backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett is out of contract at the end of the season and could be a sensible addition for his former team the Cleveland Browns due to Deshaun Watson's ongoing injury woes.
Running back Antonio Gibson and wide receiver Curtis Samuel could also be attractive pieces for the Commanders to trade away in return for draft capital, and linebacker Cody Barton and defensive back Kendall Fuller are also in the final year of their contracts.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, however, is not available for trade despite interest from several teams, with the Commanders eager to build their defensive line around the 28-year-old.