The Washington Commanders got nothing more than a few rookie flashes from Luke McCaffrey in 2024. One NFL analyst believes that could make the second-year wide receiver expendable if the right trade offer comes along.
Peters has been more focused on incoming trades this offseason. Acquiring five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. represented major statements of intent. These win-now moves indicate the Commanders mean business next season, and anyone not pulling their weight will be shown the door.
NFL analyst believes Commanders could use Luke McCaffrey as trade bait
It's a sink-or-swim scenario for many. That led Douglas Fritz from Clutch Points to suggest that rising star and offseason standout McCaffrey could be made available for trade if it helps the Commanders secure a promising edge rusher from elsewhere.
"[Luke] McCaffrey started only four games as a rookie, caught only 18 passes, and totaled 168 yards with no touchdowns. He wasn’t invisible. But even with a weaker wide receiver room he didn’t make an impact. This year, the Commanders are stronger at the position. Still, it seems they’re trying to sell McCaffrey as a significant part of the offense. The question is whether McCaffrey could bring in enough value to help at another position. The Commanders desperately need a reinforcement at the edge rusher position. But it’s not like they could trade McCaffrey for a player who would make a big difference at a hard-to-find-value position."
Douglas Fritz
This is nothing more than wild speculation with no substance attached. It completely ignores the strides made by McCaffrey since preparations for the 2025 campaign began. Fritz also took an unnecessary cheap shot at the player's slender physique in comparison to Christian McCaffrey and Bijan Robinson.
With Terry McLaurin holding out in pursuit of his new deal and the veteran duo of Michael Gallup and Noah Brown missing time through injury, the Commanders placed McCaffrey in a more central role over early offseason workouts. The former third-round pick thrived, displaying improved route running, assured hands, and raised confidence.
It's a crowded wide receiver room, but McCaffrey has a shot at generating his fair share of targets. He was always going to be a work in progress, so it's improbable that Peters and Dan Quinn will give up on him so soon.
Chalk this one down to pre-training camp boredom. There is nothing else to it. And there shouldn't be.
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