Commanders' disappointing situation can become a blessing in disguise with the NFL trade market heating up

I didn't expect to be saying this after the first few weeks of the 2025 season, but there's a strong possibility that Brandon Coleman won't be a Commander by the time the trade deadline approaches. He made the move from left tackle to left guard going into his second season, and it didn't go well at all. In fact, he was benched after just two games, and he's been a healthy scratch ever since. Chris Paul took over and has been flawless ever since. There's no reason for Coleman to just be inactive when the Commanders have options.

Coleman was a third-round pick in 2024, and some teams would be willing to take a swing on him. He has the versatility that teams need with his ability to play tackle and guard. Coleman's rookie contract is also very enticing for a team and leaves no financial burden on the Commanders.

Sam Cosmi's return could speed things up

I already mentioned how Paul is the starter at left guard now, but the Commanders are getting right guard Sam Cosmi back as soon as this week or next, which makes the trade even easier. The Commanders would have Andrew Wylie and Nick Allegretti as depth pieces still, and Coleman would continue to be inactive.

Possible trade compensation and partners

Coleman is healthy and under a rookie contract until 2028, and teams need premium positions like offensive linemen. We've already seen Cam Robinson be traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns after he was inactive. The Commanders should reach out to the Cincinnati Bengals, who are already buyers, the Tennessee Titans, and the Houston Texans as teams that need help on the offensive line.

The Commanders could likely get a late fifth-round pick for Coleman, or add their seventh-round pick for better compensation. They currently have a first, a third, a fifth, two sixths, and a seventh-rounder. The trade for Laremy Tunsil took the second and fourth round picks for 2026, but they also got the extra sixth from the Brian Robinson Jr. trade.

Commanders general manager Adam Peters has been known to make moves before the trade deadline, like he did last season when he traded for corner Marshon Lattimore, and it shouldn't be surprising if he is active once again.