Many of the Washington Commanders’ actions have been on the defensive side of football. Last season, the Commanders allowed the most points in the NFL, averaging more than 30 per game. However, the offensive was not necessarily great. There are still names on the free agent and prospective trade market looking to improve offensively, and none are more prominent than Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
When healthy, Jefferson is widely considered as the best receiver in football. He had 1,809 yards in 2022 and was on track for another 1,500 yards in 2023 before being sidelined by injury. With Kirk Cousins departing the Vikings, may Jefferson become available? If so, Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon suggests that the Commanders should be interested. In his suggested trade, Gagnon mentions their second-round picks.
“The Washington Commanders are unlikely to trade the No. 2 pick this year for Jefferson, especially since they plainly need a quarterback and will have a chance at one of a few possible stars in that position.
“However, they also hold two early second-round picks and all three of their Day 1/2 selections in 2025. That might provide an opportunity for the organization to give the next quarterback a fantastic welcome gift in Jefferson, who could join Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson to form one of the top receiving groupings in the NFL.”
As of today, the Washington Commanders have signed Marcus Mariota, who will likely be their backup quarterback, and Austin Ekeler, who underperformed last season but could assist the offense in 2024. That was the offense’s two moves during the early parts of the offseason.
With the second pick in the draft, the Commanders are likely to select a quarterback. Adding weapons around whatever they choose should remain a focus, and while they did so with Ekeler, a player like Jefferson has the potential to elevate this offense.
Terry McLaurin has excelled for the Commanders, recording 1,000-yard seasons in four consecutive years. If the Commanders could put a true No. 1 next to him, his production could increase. McLaurin would greatly benefit from playing with a receiver of the Minnesota Vikings’ caliber.
While the prospect of acquiring Jefferson would excite any football team, it is unclear whether the Minnesota Vikings will trade him.
The Commanders do have the second overall pick, but trading it for a receiver when a quarterback is clearly needed makes little sense. Instead, they may offer the Vikings a future first-round pick and additional draft compensation.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on March 13 that the Vikings have no plans to move him.
“The Vikings were close to extending WR Justin Jefferson last offseason. In Indianapolis, General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah flatly rejected the idea of trading the star. Kirk Cousins’ exit hasn’t changed anything. Sources tell me and @alec_lewis that the Vikings have no plans to move Jefferson.
Jefferson may not be available right now, but this might change if the Vikings can not find a quarterback capable of competing.
Heavy.com’s Jon Conahan covers the NBA and NFL, with a focus on the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Washington Commanders. Since 2019, his sports coverage has appeared in Sports Illustrated, Oddschecker, ClutchPoints, and SportsKeeda. More on Jon Conahan.
