Amidst the Washington Commanders’ deliberations on their strategy for the No. 2 pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft, several other teams are actively exploring the possibility of trading for that coveted spot.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who shared insights on SportsCenter recently, the Commanders are fielding trade inquiries despite prevailing expectations that they will stand firm and select either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye:
“The Commanders’ decision-making has been characterized by its unpredictability. A team source revealed to me that they are maintaining an open-minded approach and conducting a comprehensive evaluation process. They have yet to finalize their decision on which direction to take. With the consensus being that Chicago will likely pick Caleb Williams at No. 1, Washington plans to attend the Pro Days of both Jayden Daniels at LSU and Drake Maye at UNC next week. They’ll thoroughly assess their options with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and head coach Dan Quinn leading the charge. Although they’re fielding trade inquiries for the No. 2 pick, it’s widely believed across the league that they’ll capitalize on the opportunity to draft one of these exceptional quarterbacks.”
Rumors have been circulating for some time that Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy recipient, is the preferred choice for Washington at the second pick.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated recently remarked on NBC Sports Boston’s Areblla Early Edition that Daniels appears to be “the frontrunner to join the Commanders” at this juncture.
Notably, Washington’s new offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, has experience coaching a quarterback with a skill set resembling Daniels’. Kingsbury spent four seasons as Kyler Murray’s head coach with the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 to 2022.
Several teams with quarterback needs, including the New York Giants (No. 6), Minnesota Vikings (No. 11 and 23), Denver Broncos (No. 12), and Las Vegas Raiders (No. 13), are poised to trade up if the opportunity arises.
However, given Washington’s prolonged search for a franchise quarterback and the abundance of promising options available at the No. 2 spot, it’s unlikely they would be swayed by trade offers.
While it’s prudent for the Commanders to consider all potential trade scenarios, the prevailing expectation remains that either Daniels or Maye will ultimately don the Washington jersey as the second overall pick.
