Commanders Trade Pitch Lands $70 Million Former First Round Pick
The Washington Commanders found out pretty quickly this season what kind of team they’d be without their best 2 players in quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who have both already missed multiple games due to injuries.
While it’s not clear when McLaurin is going to be able to come back from a quad/hip flexor injury that will see him miss a fourth consecutive game in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys, Daniels missed 2 games in which the Commanders went 1-1, but has gone 1-1 since returning in Week 5.
While Daniels began looking like his old self in a Week 6 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, one thing he’s in desperate need of is more weapons at the skill positions — something the Commanders could fix with a trade.
CBS Sports NFL reporter Garrett Podell’s recent trade pitch would bring the Commanders another Pro Bowl tight end in Cleveland Browns star and former first round pick David Njoku alongside 35-year-old Commanders tight end Zach Ertz.
“Fortunately for the Commanders, the Browns are 1-5, and their leader in catches (28) and receiving yards (254) happens to be rookie third-round pick tight end Harold Fannin Jr.,” Podell wrote on October 15. “That makes tight end David Njoku, who is set to become a free agent next offseason, expendable for the rebuilding Browns. Washington should do what it takes to get the former Pro Bowl tight end added to Daniels’ arsenal in order to salvage its 2025 season.”
What the Commanders give up for Njokun in a speculative trade is where the real debate begins — a 2026 or 2027 fourth or fifth round pick might be a good starting point.
Dominant NFL Tight End on Terrible Teams
Njoku, 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds, only played 2 seasons at the University of Miami and left school early for the NFL after putting up 43 receptions for 698 yards and 8 touchdowns in 12 games in 2016.
The Browns selected Njoku at No. 29 overall in the 2017 NFL draft — one of 3 tight ends picked in the first round. Njoku became a full time starter in his second season with 56 receptions for 639 yards and 4 touchdowns. He battled injuries in 2019 and 2020, missing 16 games, but bounced back in 2021 with 36 receptions for 375 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Njoku has had at least 50 receptions, 500 yards and 4 touchdowns in each of the last 3 years and had a career year in 2023 with 81 receptions for 882 yards and 6 touchdowns while earning his only Pro Bowl nod.
While Njoku has gotten super duper paid by the Browns — he’ll have approximately $70.4 million in career earnings after 2025 — what that money hasn’t bought is wins.
In 8 NFL seasons with Njoku, the Browns have had just 2 winning seasons — also their only 2 playoff appearances in that stretch — and even went winless in 2017 with an 0-16 record.
Commanders Might Sweeten Pot With Sinnott
Depending how serious the Commanders think they are about being Super Bowl contenders in 2025, they might sweeten the pot for Njoku with offering up either veteran tight end John Bates or tight end and 2024 second round pick Ben Sinnott.
Bates is an elite blocker and could instantly help the Browns rushing attack. Sinnott could be a great backup option behind Fannin moving forward.
KaVontae Turpin Returns Stronger Than Ever: 'Every Setback Was a Stepping Stone to This Moment'
KaVontae Turpin’s journey has not been an easy one, but it’s one that reflects resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in his own ability to overcome any obstacle. After a series of injuries that sidelined him in the 2025 season, Turpin has made his return to the field, stronger than ever. His comeback is not just about getting back to where he was but pushing beyond his limits and showing the world why he belongs in the NFL.
In his own words, "It’s been a long road, but I’m back, stronger than ever. Every injury, every setback was just a stepping stone toward this moment. I’ve learned so much along the way, and now it’s time to put it all on display. I’m ready to show the world why I belong in this league. Let's go out there and make it happen!"
Those words aren't just empty promises—they reflect a journey filled with hard work, sacrifice, and the kind of perseverance that has kept Turpin hungry for success. From his early days as a promising rookie to his setbacks with injuries, Turpin has had to battle not just opponents on the field, but doubts and challenges in his personal and professional life.
This season, Turpin’s resolve is more potent than ever. The wide receiver and return specialist has faced each injury as an opportunity to grow, each setback as a lesson in resilience. What could have been seen as an obstacle in his career has instead fueled his desire to be better, faster, and stronger when he steps back onto the field.
Now, with the chance to prove himself once again, Turpin is on the cusp of showing everyone why he deserves a spot on the NFL stage. As a player who has always excelled in his explosive playmaking abilities, Turpin’s comeback promises to be a spectacle for fans and opponents alike. His ability to make game-changing plays, especially on special teams, is just one aspect of his game that he is eager to showcase.
But for Turpin, his return is more than just about proving others wrong—it’s about validating his own belief in himself. After enduring the frustrations of injury and the doubts that accompany it, Turpin’s confidence is at an all-time high. His message to the world is clear: he’s not just back, he’s back with a purpose, ready to rise to the occasion.
With his eyes firmly set on the future, Turpin's comeback is not just about reclaiming his spot on the team—it’s about making an impact that will leave a lasting legacy. Whether it’s as a wide receiver or a return specialist, his message is simple:
The road to success is never easy, but for KaVontae Turpin, it’s clear that no setback is too great to stop him from achieving greatness. Fans are eagerly watching to see the next chapter in his incredible journey.
