Commanders Could Move On from 'Hail Mary Hero' in Trade

The Washington Commanders shoved all their chips into the middle this offseason by executing huge trades to acquire star-caliber pieces with hopes they can propel them to a Super Bowl.

Left tackle Laremy Tunsil was brought in sure up star quarterback Jayden Daniels' blindside, and the always versatile veteran receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. brings a unique skillset to Kliff Kingsbury offense.

Samuel joins a receiver room featuring Terry McLaurin, Michael Gallup, KJ Osborn and Jaylin Lane, an exciting rookie with lightning speed.

Another receiver we can't forget to mention is Noah Brown, the man who became a folk hero overnight after catching the hail-mary pass that was tipped across the goal line to beat the Chicago Bears at the buzzer last season.

The play will last forever in the minds of Commanders fans as one of the best moments in franchise history. While Brown's name will always be remembered for the iconic catch, it doesn't mean his time on the Washington roster is guaranteed.

With the addition of Samuel, there may be a much more limited role for Brown in the offense, which could put him in danger of being traded if the front office elects to use his value to get reinforcements elsewhere.

Bleacher Report named Brown as the one player on the roster most at risk of being expendable, but acknowledged this "all-in" mindset by saying Washington is "far more interested in buying than selling this offseason."

"Brown’s not a world-beater, and he wouldn’t net a large return in a summertime deal," Gary Davenport wrote. "But the 29-year-old can stretch the field, his 6’2”, 225-pound frame is a big target in the red zone, and while Washington’s wideout room may be too crowded for Brown to get a seat at the table, there are teams with chairs available."

Brown, a former seventh-round pick in 2017, is entering his eighth NFL season after an up and down season in 2024. He was on pace for another productive 500 yard year, but missed six games with injury.

The performance was enough for Washington to re-up his contract on a one-year, $3.25 million deal, but his trade value may be at an all-time high and Washington could get back some draft capital they lost in earlier trades by sending him away.

After his new contract, Brown spoke about his approach to this upcoming season.

"I'm just training and taking the offseason as if I finished the season healthy," Brown said. "I'm completely ready to go. I feel like I'm built for these kind of things, and I'll come back better on the other end.”

On the bright side for Brown, the Commanders lost the receiver who filled in for him during his rehab in Dyami Brown, but of course the addition of Samuel makes for a much more uncertain situation for him in the starting lineup.

Commanders faithful wouldn't want to see the player responsible for the famed "Hail Maryland" moment traded so soon, but if anything, they should expect to see a lesser role for Brown this season if he remains on the team.