Three 'splash' moves for Washington Commanders to make in 2024

After finishing last in the NFC East with a 4-13 record, does Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris have any “boss moves” up his sleeve for 2024? If not, he better read this.

Trade up

Washington currently holds the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Commanders could select North Carolina’s Drake Maye to be their next quarterback, but what if they want USC’s Caleb Williams instead?

The Bears own the top pick but also have quarterback Justin Fields under contract for another year. If they’re sold on Fields, that pick should be up for grabs. ESPN’s Field Yates believes it would take Washington’s No 2 pick, their second-round pick (No. 40) and a 2025 first-round selection to get Chicago’s pick.  

All things considered, that’s not a bad price for one of the most highly-touted college quarterbacks in recent memory, especially for a franchise that once paid a king’s ransom for Robert Griffin III.

Add another Allen

Jonathan Allen is one of the best defensive tackles in football, but he could use a little help along the defensive line. After trading away Montez Sweat and Chase Young during the season, the team needs pass-rushers. Jacksonville’s Josh Allen would be a perfect fit for new head coach Dan Quinn.

Jacksonville’s’ Pro Bowl edge-rusher had 17.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception last year. As a free agent, he should expect to sign a five-year deal worth upwards of $23M per season.

Not many teams can afford that number, but with more money under the cap than any NFL team ($83M), first-year general manager Adam Peters can afford to bring in the 26-year-old Virginia native.

Sign Derrick Henry

While other GMs wait for Henry to hit the proverbial wall, Peters can help his young quarterback by adding one of football’s most reliable running backs to the backfield. Henry saw a league-high 280 carries without a fumble and finished as the league’s second-leading rusher with 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023.

Brian Robinson, free agent Antonio Gibson and Chris Rodriguez Jr. combined for 1,245 yards in Washington’s 27th-ranked backfield last season. At 30 years old, Henry shouldn’t break the bank with contract demands, but could pay dividends in 2024.