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4 Washington Commanders the Detroit Lions could have particular interest in trading for

By Brad Berreman

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 09: Daron Payne #94 of the Washington Commanders warms up before the game against the Tennessee Titans at FedExField on October 9, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 09: Daron Payne #94 of the Washington Commanders warms up before the game against the Tennessee Titans at FedExField on October 9, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

2. QB Taylor Heinicke

Between their present quarterback (Carson Wentz) and a potential quarterback of the future (Sam Howell), the Commanders have Heinicke.

If the term “backup quarterback” were in the dictionary, Heinicke would be one of the current pictures next to it. He started 15 games for Washington last year, with a 7-8 record and perfectly mediocre numbers (65 percent completion rate, 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 6.9 yards per attempt, 85.9 passer rating, 39.9 QBR).

Heinicke had a memorable performance in the playoffs the year prior to last. He started the Wild Card Round in place of Alex Smith, and threw for 306 yards as Washington gave the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Bucccaneers more than they bargained for in a one-score game (31-23 Tampa Bay).

If Jared Goff misses time this season, as was proven last year with Tim Boyle, the Lions are quite simply not going to win any games Nate Sudfeld would have to start. And it’s not even about making sure any seemingly remote chance at making the playoffs stays on course, it’s about having a realistic chance to win a game without your starting quarterback.

Heinicke seems to be an obvious, if a bit under the radar, trade piece for the Commanders as they surely continue to pull up the rear in the NFC East and the deadline nears. The Lions could swing a reasonable deal to upgrade their backup situation.

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