First, Deebo Samuel. Next, Myles Garrett?
The Washington Commanders sent a strong message to the Philadelphia Eagles and the rest of the NFL Saturday with its bold trade for versatile offensive weapon Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers. After a surprising run to a 12-5 record and the NFC Championship Game, general manager Adam Peters proved he is just getting started in rebuilding the Commanders from a 4-13 disaster into legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Giving star quarterback Jayden Daniels a proven offensive player that can both run and catch like Samuel immediately elevates Washington's offense.
Now, about that defense.
The addition of Samuel - coupled with defensive tackle Jonathan Allen's imminent departure - increases the likelihood that Garrett could also wind up in Washington.
One of the NFL's best pass-rushers and a former Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett asked for a trade from the Cleveland Browns last month in hopes of joining a team capable of playing in a Super Bowl.
"The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl," he said.
Garrett’s skills would be an ideal addition to a Dan Quinn defense that has shown flashes of brilliance but needs a dominant force on the edge. In three games against the Eagles last season, Washington was never able to slow down - much less stop - running back Saquon Barkley. It gave up 55 points to Philly in the conference title game.
Even though the Commanders are becoming a more attractive destination for Garrett, Peters' challenge is prying him from Cleveland. Browns' general manager Andrew Berry claims that Garrett is not for sale, and that even two first-round draft picks wouldn't be a suitable offer.
Trading for Deebo sent the message. Acquiring Garrett would add multiple exclamation points.
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