It was always dipped in Fantasy Football, but the Washington Commanders' dream offseason died Sunday. Twice.
First, elite pass-rusher Myles Garrett reversed field and signed a monster new contract to stay with the Cleveland Browns. And later in the day, the Seattle Seahawks traded star receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While the AFC North got a little stronger with the moves, Commanders fans had daydreams of star-studded roster that included new acquisition Deebo Samuel, Metcalf and Garrett. Those blockbuster moves would have closed the gap between the Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles, who last year beat them in the NFC Championship Game on their way to winning Super Bowl LIX.
Garrett rescinding his trade demands and signed with the Browns for a five-year, $123 million deal that averages a whopping $40 million per season. The Commanders had been a betting favorite to trade for Garrett, with even multiple first-round draft picks projected as a possible deal.
Now that the future Hall of Famer has essentially blocked himself, do the Commanders turn their attention to Trey Hendrickson? He has been given permission by the Cincinnati Bengals to seek a trade, but is also looking for a new contract averaging around $30 million.
And, who knows, another high-profile pass-rusher has been linked to Washington. How would the Dallas Cowboys' Micah Parsons look in D.C.?
The Steelers, meanwhile, swooped in for Metcalf and acquired him from Seattle for a second-round pick in next month's NFL Draft. The receiver is also getting a new five-year, $150 million contract from Pittsburgh. The $33 million in new-money average makes it the biggest deal in the Steelers' storied history.
Related: Ertz Sticks with Commanders
Metcalf is a still an explosive player, but $30 million per season for a 27-year-old coming off a career-low season feels out of whack.
The Commanders were reportedly interested in Metcalf, but will now have to turn their free-agent attention to the likes of Davante Adams or Tyler Lockett.
Related: BREAKING: Commanders' Pass-Rush Target Signs Record Contract
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This story was originally published March 9, 2025 at 5:24 PM.