To Buy or Sell - That is the Question

With the 2020 NFL trade deadline just a day away, many talking heads are expecting some significant movement this year. With our very own Washington Football Team, who find themselves right in the mix to win a horrible NFC East, fans have been begging for some moves to help out an anemic offense void of weapons, and a back-end that is lacking playmakers on defense.

There are also many in the camp who would like to see this re-build continue in the right way - building through the draft, and would like nothing more than for this team to purge itself of some veterans(and possibly even a young QB) who may get us a few additional mid-to-later round picks in the 2021 NFL draft.

Below are some players who Washington could target and some who they could look to trade to the highest bidder.

Buy:

John Ross WR Bengals - The NFL combine 40 yard dash record holder has found himself sitting fifth on Cincinnati’s depth chart, and the 2021 free agent to be will certainly not be back with Burrow and company in 2021. If the Redskins can get him for cheap, he could provide a threat opposite star Terry McLaurin during the Football Team’s improbably 2020 playoff push.

Compensation - 5th or later

David Njoku TE Browns - The Browns have said they are not interested in moving tight end David Njoku, but he’s not getting the touches he wants in the Browns’ offense, and he’s likely behind both Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant, who has come on as of lately. His situation is a bit different than some of the trade targets, as 1)he’s just 24; and 2)the Browns picked up his 5th year option which is cheap, and takes him through the 2021 season.

Compensation - 4th(possibly conditional, that could jump to a 3rd)

Kenny Stills WR Texans - The former Saint and Dolphin, who is now with the Houston Texans, is an eight year vet who is just 28 years old. Although he doesn’t have a 1000 yard season to his name, he would be a nice ancillary option on the outside, and someone who could stretch defenses with his outstanding speed and smooth route running ability. The main issues here is that he slated to become a free agent in 2021, so he’d likely be a half-season rental. Still, that rental could be worth a later round pick if he can help the team secure the sorry NFC East.

Compensation - 5th round pick

Anthony Harris S Vikings - Despite beating the Packers Sunday, the Vikings aren’t going anywhere this season in what has turned out to be a competitive NFC North. They are looking to be in re-build mode, and will likely entertain offers for some veterans who are not in their future plans. Washington needs help at safety, and adding a player with the skillset of Harris on the back end could solve a major problem in their secondary.

Compensation - 4th/5th round pick

Sell:

Ryan Kerrigan - For Washington, moving the all-time sack leader makes the most sense. On one hand, Coach Ron Rivera has to really love the depth he currently has at EDGE, with both Kerrigan and Ryan Anderson backing up youngsters Montez Sweat and Chase Young. On the other, Kerrigan, who has been the consummate professional throughout his entire career here, DESERVES the opportunity to play for a team who will utilize his talents as he enters the twilight of an outstanding career. Despite being 32 years old, Kerrigan still has plenty of gas left in the tank. They key here though, is does Washington feel they can get more in return in the form of a compensation pick if he leaves via free agency.

Compensation - 4th round or higher(or I wouldn’t move him)

Dwayne Haskins Jr. - The embattled quarterback, who was drafted with the 15th overall pick in 2019, has found his way to the bench in Scott Turner’s offense, and inactive on game days. There are some teams, including the Steelers, Colts and Patriots, who could use a young signal caller to learn behind a current veteran. Haskins still has two years remaining, plus a fifth year option that can be exercised, on his rookie contract. The youngster can be enticing to a team who feels they can mold the talented signal caller, and turn him into the quarterback of the future for their franchise.

Compensation - 3rd or 4th round pick

Jonathan Allen - I would normally be against this trade, but with the emergence of Tim Settle, and knowing you’ll have Matt Ioannidis back in 2021, moving Allen to a contender for decent compensation would make some sense. Now let me REALLY emphasis “decent compensation” here, as I wouldn’t move him for anything less than a second round pick. This, to me, would be a total fishing pick. If we get a decent bit, I set the hook!

Compensation - 2nd round pick(or I wouldn’t move him)

Fabian Moreau - Moreau is barely seeing any time in Jack Del Rio’s defense, and a fresh start may be the best for both parties. The only problem is teams know Moreau will be a free agent in 2021, so the compensation here would likely be very low.

Compensation - conditional later round pick

Ryan Anderson - There probably won’t be much of a market for Ryan Anderson, but at this point, the Football Team should take anything they can get for the former second round pick.

Compensation - conditional later round pick