By Quentin Kaiser — ESPN PML Insider
Two weeks into the Premier Madden League season, the Washington Commanders are staring down the barrel of a disappointing 0-2 start — and the rumblings out of D.C. are getting louder. What was supposed to be a “prove-it” season for a talented, retooled roster has turned into a soul-searching moment for the front office.
According to team sources, several big names could be on the move if things don’t turn around soon — including former All-Pros, breakout stars, and a few cornerstone contracts that could reshape the entire organization’s future.
0-2 and Already Searching for Answers
After a tough opening stretch that’s seen the Commanders come up short in back-to-back weeks, questions about consistency and leadership have begun to bubble to the surface. The team has flashed talent — moments of offensive rhythm, defensive dominance — but the results just haven’t followed.
The struggles have forced Washington’s front office to rethink its approach. Instead of chasing a mid-season rally, the talk now centers around retooling for the future. The Commanders’ decision-makers are reportedly open to offers for several veterans and young stars alike — signaling that no one is untouchable if the right deal comes along.
Names to Watch as Trade Talks Heat Up
CB Marshon Lattimore (X-Factor Corner)
When Washington traded for Lattimore, the expectation was simple — he’d be the shutdown anchor of their secondary. Through two weeks, he’s still an elite coverage presence, but the team’s defensive identity hasn’t clicked. Moving a player of his caliber would be seismic, but his X-Factor ability and high awareness make him one of the most coveted corners in the league. Any contender with playoff aspirations would jump at the chance to bring him in.
FS Quan Martin (81 OVR, 96 Acceleration)
Martin’s athleticism has always been his calling card, and at 96 acceleration, he’s one of the fastest safeties in the league. A versatile chess piece, he can play deep coverage or step down in the box. Washington may not want to move him, but his youth and explosiveness make him a high-value trade chip in a defensive reset.
LT Laremy Tunsil (95 OVR, Superstar)
This would be the headline-grabber. Tunsil remains one of the best pass protectors in the game — a true blindside wall with the Superstar badge to match. Trading a 95-overall lineman would signal a full commitment to a rebuild. Still, in the right deal, Tunsil could bring back premium picks or a young QB prospect to jump-start a new era in Washington.
DT Da’Ron Payne (85 OVR)
A fan favorite and locker room leader, Payne’s name on the trade block might sting the most. But the former Alabama standout’s value is sky-high — elite interior strength, gap control, and pressure ability. Teams needing help up front could see Payne as the missing piece for a playoff run.
C Tyler Biadasz (82 OVR)
Solid, reliable, and durable — Biadasz has been the glue in the middle of Washington’s offensive line. While not flashy, his ability to command protections and create interior stability gives him value to teams trying to shore up offensive line depth before the stretch run.
WILL Frankie Luvu (79 OVR)
The energy guy. The tone-setter. Luvu plays every snap like it’s his last, and his motor alone draws attention. He’s the type of player that playoff teams crave — physical, instinctive, and capable of playing multiple linebacker spots.
SS Percy Butler (92 SPD, 94 ACC)
One of the most explosive defensive backs in the league, Butler’s range makes him a weapon in any scheme. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but with Washington’s secondary in flux, a team looking for speed and development potential could view him as a future star.
HB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (82 OVR, Superstar)
Arguably the most intriguing name on the list. Croskey-Merritt’s blend of speed, agility, and Superstar traits has made him one of the brightest young backs in the league. His upside is enormous, and if Washington does move him, it’ll be for a king’s ransom. Still, if the Commanders pivot toward a full rebuild, recouping draft capital for a prime-age RB might be too tempting to pass up.
A Fork in the Road
The Commanders are in a defining moment of their franchise arc. Do they double down and chase a turnaround in the next few weeks — or hit reset and start collecting assets for a new era?
League insiders believe Washington will evaluate one more game before deciding. If the team falls to 0-3, expect the trade floodgates to open. Multiple contenders are already circling — teams in need of protection, pass rush, or secondary help.
Washington’s front office has made it clear: they’re not afraid to make bold moves. And in a league where windows close fast, they’d rather rebuild on their own terms than ride out mediocrity.
Looking Ahead
The Commanders still have the talent to turn things around — the roster is loaded with top-end speed, experience, and X-Factor playmakers. But the reality is clear: time is running out.
If they can’t pull off a statement win soon, Washington may look drastically different by midseason. For fans, it’s a frustrating déjà vu. For rival GMs, it’s opportunity season.
The trade block is heating up — and the Commanders are at the center of it all.
