NFL Trade Idea: Could Commanders Deal for 49ers' Charvarius Ward?

The Washington Commanders have the most cap space in the NFL. Could they leverage it this offseason to land a defensive star like San Francisco 49ers corner Charvarius Ward?

The Washington Commanders are one of the league’s best-positioned teams for the 2024 offseason, owning the most resources of any team.

Unsurprisingly, most of the attention has focused on the No. 2 overall pick and the debate over which quarterback Washington will presumably select to headline its rebuild. With more cap space than any other team and a healthy amount of veterans on the verge of being moved, there’s room to capitalize on older contributors as well.

Can the Commanders find a strong contributor on the trading block in the coming months?

Jan 7, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) catches a touchdown pass against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward (7) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

In Bleacher Report’s recent “dream offseason trade scenario” piece, Washington found itself a corner who would instantly be the team’s best defensive back, patching up a hole on a porous secondary that was league-worst against the pass.

In trading for San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward, the Commanders could add stability to the back end without paying top dollar – at least in terms of draft capital. Part of having a surplus of cap space is taking advantage of the opportunity of others’ cap misfortunes. Whether that’s trading for players at a lesser price or scooping up cap casualties, veteran reinforcements shouldn’t be too hard to find.

“The 49ers have just $570,837 in projected cap space,” Kristopher Knox wrote. “ Ward, who is in the final year of his contract, is set to carry a cap hit of $17.9 million.

“Ideally, Washington would secure the 27-year-old for minimal trade compensation by agreeing to take on some of the $17.2 million in dead money remaining on his deal … The Commanders have the financial flexibility to make it happen.”

While it wouldn’t be wise to cash in premium draft capital at the start of a rebuild, a selection near the turn of the top 100 picks – perhaps No. 101 or 103 – could catch the eye of first-year general manager Adam Peters.

Head coach Dan Quinn, like his predecessor Ron Rivera, is a defensive mind. He found success with the strong corners the Dallas Cowboys boasted and may search for a similar impact this offseason.

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It’s too early to tell whether or not San Francisco is itching to trade one of its best defensive players, but the cap can be unforgiving and sacrifices must be made to extend the Super Bowl window.

If so, the Commanders could find themselves a No. 1 corner without dealing the draft capital necessary to select one in April.