Commanders Eye Trade for No. 1 Pick: 'They're Going to Make Chicago Say No'

The Washington Commanders reportedly could be eyeing a trade up to No. 1 overall to draft Caleb Williams.

With the No. 2 overall pick, the Washington Commanders will likely have their pick of the quarterbacks outside of Caleb Williams, who's expected to be taken with the first overall pick by the Chicago Bears.

That doesn't necessarily mean Washington will stand pat though, and not try to trade up for one of the top quarterback prospects in recent memory. Pro Football Focus lead draft analyst and co-host of the NFL Stock Exchange, Trevor Sikkema, said that he heard at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Commanders are looking at their options, and he expects them to propose a trade to the Bears for the No. 1 overall pick. 

"Washington is exploring all options," Sikkema said. "There were recent reports they were thinking about trading down. I don't know if they're going to trade down because they've got the opportunity to take a quarterback, and they really need one, and I think they're going to make that call. I do think they are putting together a legitimate proposal to move up to No. 1. Essentially, they're going to make Chicago say no." 

Caleb Williams / Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

Is this a guarantee to happen? Possibly not. Walter Football is reporting quite the opposite, that Washington is staying at No. 2 and turning down all trade offers. However, it doesn’t really make sense for the team to turn down trade offers right now with free agency a week away and the draft over a month away.

Williams is an All-American and won the Heisman Trophy along with the Pac-12 Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year in 2022. He threw for 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns and just five interceptions, and he ran for 380 yards and 10 scores that season at USC. In 2023, he threw for 3,622 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions and ran for 142 yards plus a career-best 11 touchdowns for USC. 

Washington reportedly being interested in trading up for Williams shouldn't shock anyone. For a new regime looking to start their tenure on the right foot, landing Williams would be a home run. 

There's also more pressure for the Commanders regime to get the quarterback position right as opposed to other new regimes. Dan Quinn is entering his second stint as a head coach, and the odds he'd get another chance if he fails with the Commanders are low. 

Commanders Trade Up for Franchise QB in Mock Draft

Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has familiarity with Williams from his time as USC's offensive analyst last season. Kingsbury's hopes of landing another head coaching job depend on his ability to turn around the Commanders' offense, and the quarterback he used to coach is likely who he believes gives him the best odds to do that. 

For Commanders general manager Adam Peters, his best shot at turning the franchise around is landing a slam dunk prospect at quarterback. Second chances as a general manager are rare to come by, so for Peters to make sure his first opportunity goes according to plan, he has to get the quarterback position right.

Washington would be remiss not to look into what it takes to trade up to the No. 1 overall pick. Williams is widely viewed as a generational prospect, and players of his caliber only come around so often. No matter the cost, Peters should be willing to give up whatever it takes to land the franchise quarterback the Commanders have been missing since Kirk Cousins left in 2018.