Bombshell Cowboys trade proves Commanders' draft heist was pure genius

Second-year general manager Adam Peters is always thinking two steps ahead. A bombshell development around the NFC East confirmed the Washington Commanders' latest draft heist under his leadership as pure genius.

The Commanders were eager to find another physical boundary cornerback this offseason. Peters managed to find this with a high-value selection at No. 61 overall when Trey Amos fell into his lap. Washington considered taking the former Ole Miss star at No. 29, so it was a no-brainer to pull the trigger late in the second round.

This already looks like a tremendous decision based on a notable development with Washington's most bitter rival.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, which was later confirmed by other league insiders, the Dallas Cowboys are trading for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. He's a volatile playmaker, but one who could make a significant difference for an offense that became far too reliant on CeeDee Lamb last season.

Commanders already have options to nullify George Pickens after bombshell trade

The Cowboys are reportedly giving up a third-round selection and other pick swaps to seal the deal. Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract, so an extension might not be too far behind. Either way, this represents a high-risk, high-reward gamble Dallas believes can get them closer to the Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles.

Washington made a wideout trade of its own earlier this offseason when Deebo Samuel Sr. was acquired. But to stop the new tandem of Lamb and Pickens, the Commanders have something for that, too.

Amos and Marshon Lattimore are expected to be the outside cornerback tandem, with Mike Sainristil set to move back into the slot where his exceptional skills are best suited. Providing the rookie transitions smoothly and the four-time Pro Bowler benefits from a full offseason, this has the makings of a formidable trio capable of keeping complications to a minimum.

The Commanders also have Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene to further assist their cornerback options. Pickens' arrival gives the Cowboys another potentially prolific performer opposite Lamb. But Washington looks well placed to counteract this new threat thanks to Peters' aggressive moves in recent months.

It's yet another fascinating dynamic to watch within the NFC East. Pickens has the talent, but he's hard to manage. He could become an All-Pro or flame out miserably. There's probably no in between.

Peters already had a plan in place to nullify this issue before it became public knowledge. More proof, as if any were needed, that the Commanders are being led by an exceptional front-office strategist.

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