Cowboys vs. Commanders Could Be Last Game Before Caleb Williams Era

A new batch of offseason predictions has the Washington Commanders landing USC quarterback Caleb Williams.

Could quarterback Caleb Williams trade in the Cardinal red and gold of USC for the burgundy and gold of the Washington Commanders this offseason? A new round of quarterback carousel predictions suggests exactly that could transpire in the coming months. 

In projecting where each veteran and rookie quarterback on the move could land this offseason, CBS Sports recently predicted that the Commanders will land Williams via the draft the offseason. The implication here is that the Chicago Bears or whatever team is picking No. 1 overall will actually pick North Carolina's Drake Maye over Williams. We would argue that's unlikely, but if the Commanders lose to the Dallas Cowboys Sunday and lock up the No. 2 pick, they would be in the best position possible to trade up if the Chicago Bears choose to build around quarterback Justin Fields and move the top overall selection. 

USA Today

The Draft Network has Williams rated as a "rare, All-Pro" level talent, which isn't surprising given that he's often been compared to two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. Williams won the Heisman Trophy in 2022, and followed that up by throwing 30 touchdowns to five interceptions in his junior season. What's more, Williams rushed for 11 touchdowns in 2023. The 22-year-old has yet to declare for the NFL Draft, but even in the NIL Era, there's still way more money to be made at the highest level of the sport. 

While some have suggested that it may be disappointing for Williams to have to move from southern California to the Landover, Maryland area, that ignores that the quarterback is from the Washington, D.C., having attended Gonzaga College High School. With Daniel Snyder gone as owner and the possibility in the next decade that the Commanders build a new stadium in D.C., the idea of joining his hometown team might be exciting for Williams. 

Rivera’s Week 18 Goals May Not Be Aligned With Commanders

There's still a strong chance, though, that for Williams to join Washington, the Commanders will need to acquire the No. 1 overall pick. For that to happen, first and foremost, the Bears will have to decide to pass on Williams themselves. Secondly, whoever is the general manager of the Commanders will need to trade up to the top overall pick, which is much easier said than done.