Here’s a sentence that hasn’t been written or uttered this century — since before Dan Snyder owned an NFL franchise: Players want to wind up in Washington playing for the Commanders.
In recent weeks, there have been players who privately stated or told their agents they want to be traded to the Commanders, league sources told ESPN.
It’s possible the Commanders could comply by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. The Commanders have explored adding a cornerback and also could use help at wide receiver, according to league sources.
But even if the Commanders can’t complete any trades by the deadline, the fact that certain players would like to land in Washington bodes well for the franchise in free agency and in years to come, league sources told ESPN.
It’s a function of new ownership, a new front office, a new coaching staff and, maybe most importantly, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is contending not only for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year but also potentially the most valuable player.
Daniels has helped turn around a franchise that now is 6-2 and in first place in the NFC East entering Sunday’s game against the Giants, a team that explored but could not trade up to draft the former LSU star.
Daniels is coming off a week in which he made the play of the NFL season — his 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass to Noah Brown that lifted Washington to an 18-15 victory over Chicago this past Sunday.
As Washington’s locker room rejoiced, one Commanders official noticed Daniels at his locker, watching everyone else in the room celebrate. Daniels looked calm, composed and seemed as if the dramatic victory was what he expected to happen that day, according to the team official. In his rookie year, Daniels already carries himself like a confident seasoned player.
Now the Commanders have put themselves in a position to compete for a division title and a playoff spot but also, just as important, shifted the perception of the franchise.
The Commanders are 6-2 for the first time since 2008 and 4-0 at home for the first time since 2005.
Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, has completed 71.8% of his passes — the second-best percentage in the NFL — for 1,736 yards, seven touchdowns and only two interceptions while also rushing for 424 yards and four scores.
According to ESPN Research, Daniels is the second player in NFL history with 1,500 passing yards and 400 rushing yards through his first eight career games, joining another Washington rookie star — Robert Griffin III in 2012.
For years, decades even, Washington was viewed as an NFL wasteland, a toxic environment plagued by issues under Snyder’s ownership that dragged down the franchise.
But with all the changes the Commanders have made, the newest and ultimate sign of how much has changed can be gauged by the fact that players want to come to Washington by the deadline.
Time.news Interview: The Rise of the Washington Commanders
Interviewer: [Editor from Time.news]
Expert: Adam Schefter, ESPN Senior Writer
Editor: Welcome, Adam. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. The buzz around the Washington Commanders seems louder than we’ve heard in years. As someone who’s been closely monitoring the league, can you tell us about the recent shift in player interest towards the Commanders?
Adam Schefter: Thank you for having me. It’s indeed fascinating! For the first time in a long while, players are expressing a desire to join the Commanders, which is a remarkable change from the Dan Snyder era. It seems that new ownership, management, and coaching have breathed fresh air into the franchise. Players now see a stable, promising environment in Washington, which wasn’t the case before.
Editor: That’s a significant turnaround. What do you think has specifically contributed to this shift in perception?
Adam Schefter: I believe several factors are at play here. The most noteworthy is rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. His performance has been stellar—currently contending for both the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and MVP awards. Players want to be a part of a team that’s not only winning but has a leader who can elevate the game. Daniels hit a high note recently with his incredible Hail Mary pass that clinched a game against Chicago, boosting the team’s morale and visibility.
Editor: Jayden Daniels seems to be a key player in this narrative. Can you elaborate on how his presence might affect the team’s prospects in the upcoming trade deadline and free agency?
Adam Schefter: Absolutely. Teams are always looking for a strong foundation to build upon, and a quarterback like Daniels can be that cornerstone. With the Commanders currently sitting at 6-2 and leading the NFC East, the franchise is appealing. Players want to join a team that has playoffs potential, and with the trade deadline approaching, I believe we could see the Commanders actively looking to bolster their defense and receiving corps. Even if trades don’t happen immediately, this interest in Washington will certainly help in free agency going forward.
Editor: The contrast from previous seasons is striking. What do you think the implications are for the Commanders now, considering their newfound appeal?
Adam Schefter: The implications are vast. It signals a positive trajectory for the franchise, not just in terms of talent acquisition but also in overall team culture. They are repositioning themselves as a desirable destination in the NFL, which can lead to long-term success. This is crucial, especially in a competitive league where player loyalty and interests often sway heavily towards teams that show promise.
Editor: Before we wrap up, Adam, what can fans expect moving forward? Do you see the Commanders maintaining this upward momentum through the rest of the season?
Adam Schefter: If they continue to play at this level and solidify their roster, I expect them to be contenders as the season progresses. With the playoffs in sight, every game matters. If they manage to secure a few more key players through trades or free agency, they could very well have an exciting post-season.
Editor: Exciting times indeed for the Commanders! Thank you for sharing your insights, Adam. It’s been enlightening.
Adam Schefter: My pleasure! Always happy to discuss the ever-evolving NFL landscape.
And there you have it, an engaging dialogue digging into the dynamics reshaping the Washington Commanders under a new era. Stay tuned for more sports insights at Time.news.