NFL Rumors: Players Eye Trades to Commanders at Deadline amid Jayden Daniels Hype

Opposing players have expressed interest in a potential trade to the Washington Commanders amid the team's 6-2 start to the season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"In recent weeks, there have been players who privately stated or told their agents they want to be traded to the Commanders, league sources told ESPN," Schefter wrote on Saturday.

Led by standout rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, Washington owns the third-highest scoring offense in the NFL.

Schefter noted that the Commanders have "explored" adding a cornerback and also "could use help" at wide receiver prior to Tuesday's trade deadline.

Washington's interest in a receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin has been evident since the offseason. The Commanders were reportedly in play for San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk, but he ended up signing a contract extension to remain with the team.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also listed Washington as a potential suitor for star receiver Davante Adams before he was ultimately traded from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Jets.

The Commanders could use some secondary help for a playoff push. While head coach Dan Quinn's squad is allowing just 186 passing yards per game, opposing quarterbacks still own a 102.0 passer rating against Washington this season. That's the fifth-worst mark in the NFL, via Pro Football Reference.

Still, the Commanders have exceeded expectations largely due to the heroics of Daniels. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft has routinely made plays through the air and on the ground, showing why he won the Heisman Trophy at LSU in 2023.

In eight starts, Daniels has completed 71.8 percent of his throws for 1,736 yards and seven touchdowns compared to just two interceptions. He's also added 424 yards and four more scores with his legs.

Even though Washington hasn't made a playoff appearance since the 2020 season, Daniels is already sparking the interest of players looking for a change of scenery in his first season.