Three Trade Deadline Targets for Washington Commanders

The trade deadline is quickly approaching and the Washington Commanders are in a unique position with their options. Sitting at 1-4-1 after a disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, the Commanders also sit two games back in an NFC East race that resembles 2020. With embattled head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters potentially facing scrutiny for the roster construction, the pressure is on to make the right roster upgrades to give the team a chance to make a run in a suddenly compromised division. But who are trade targets? Diving into three names who can address roster needs.

Jonathan Taylor, running back, Indianapolis Colts

Maybe the biggest name on the list not for Washington, but across the NFL. With speculation that the Colts could end up selling after parting ways with general manager Chris Ballard earlier in the week, Taylor has been a hot name in the trade market with the expectation that several teams are interested. Whether that Washington remains to be seen, but the positional fit makes a lot of sense here.

What may be preventative in Taylor-to-Washington is the Colts' asking price with the Commanders' flexibility sitting in cap space, not draft capital. Could a swap involving defensive tackle Daron Payne make sense for a Colts team ranked among the worst against the run?

Quenton Nelson, guard, Indianapolis Colts

Sticking with the same team with another starter who has drawn trade interest, maybe the more ideal short-term need would be acquiring the elite left guard. Chris Paul has struggled in his return to Washington, making Nelson an obvious upgrade even if he's also an elite talent.

Like Taylor, Nelson has found himself in the midst of trade rumors this season where he will also likely command a steep asking price. The former first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft is a three-time First Team All Pro and Second Team All Pro, while being named a Pro Bowler in all eight seasons prior to 2026. The caveat -- Nelson is also in the midst of the final year of his contract, adding another potential steep contract to the front office's list over the next two offseasons. 

Amani Hooker, safety, Tennessee Titans

Hooker, 28, has been the most underrated safety in the NFL because he is stuck on a struggling Titans team that's winless this season and went 3-19 in the last two seasons. Hooker is a piece teams would like, as a productive player with one 92-yard interception and 28 tackles so far in 2026.

His run defense grade per PFF is 86.5, the seventh among safeties, and his coverage grade is 62.1, the 37th among safeties, for a combined grade of 73.0, good for 21st out of 96 qualified safeties. Quan Martin and Jeremy Reeves haven't shown they're starting-quality safeties, and Hooker and Nick Cross would be a beneficial safety tandem for the next few seasons.

Hooker is under contract through 2028 after signing a three-year extension before the 2025 season.