LANDOVER, MARYLAND – As a franchise, the Washington Commanders (3-5) are at a crossroads.
The new ownership, led by Commanders managing partner Josh Harris, must decide whether to continue on the current path or take a detour.
That decision was not expected to be made until after the regular season, but after a disappointing first half of the season, it appears changes are on the way, and trade talks centered on defensive end Montez Sweat have gained traction in recent days.
Even if only from the outside looking in.
“I’m not going to answer any questions about personnel,” coach Ron Rivera said after Washington’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. “I’ll speak about the game we just finished…I’m not going to discuss personnel.”
Whether he likes it or not, Rivera will have to answer more questions about personnel, specifically Sweat, before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday.
According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, at least one team is willing to give the Commanders an early Day 2 NFL Draft pick in exchange for the talented pass rusher.
“Source: One team has offered the Commanders a 2024 3rd-round pick that would turn into a second-rounder if Montez Sweat agrees to a contract extension,” Standig wrote on his Twitter account. “The Falcons are one of the teams interested in Sweat, who grew up in the Atlanta area. The deadline of 4 p.m. on Tuesday should stimulate activity.”
Sweat was the last Washington player off the field after the loss to the Eagles, and he appeared to be fighting back tears when asked about the possibility of being separated from fellow defensive end Chase Young, who has become like a brother to him over the years they’ve played together.
“That’s my brother, man,” Young said when asked if he’d played his final game with the Commanders with Sweat. “Twin towers, we’re rocking for our lives.” That will not change if we are not on the same team.”
The football brotherhood extends far beyond logos and uniforms, and things are constantly changing.
Just this week, Washington deployed an offensive line with two new starters for the first time this season, and things appeared to be going better than in previous weeks.
Change appears to be on the way on the other side of the trenches as well.
