- The Washington Commanders are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, and their aggressive approach to improving the team continues to make headlines. A recent trade rumor has fans buzzing: could the Commanders be on the verge of bringing back a former No. 2 overall draft pick? While this scenario hasn’t yet materialized, the rumors have gained traction due to the potential upside this player could bring back to the team.
Let’s break down what this trade could look like, why it would make sense for the Commanders, and what it could mean for their 2024 season and beyond.
A Former Top Pick with a Point to Prove
The rumored player in question is cornerback **Jaycee Horn**, who was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 8th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Although he wasn’t a No. 2 overall pick, like some rumors have hinted at, Horn still carries the weight of high expectations as one of the premier cornerback talents from his draft class. After spending a few seasons with the Panthers, Horn has shown flashes of brilliance, but injuries have prevented him from fully living up to his potential.
At 6’1” and over 200 pounds, Horn has the size and physicality that teams covet in an outside cornerback. His speed, combined with his ability to read plays, makes him an ideal candidate for Washington’s defense, which could use help in the secondary. The Commanders have struggled in pass coverage at times this season, and a talent like Horn could bring immediate stability and long-term promise to a defense that already has solid pieces up front.
For Washington, the move would signal their intent to not only compete in the short term but to invest in a player who could become a cornerstone for years to come. The Commanders have historically taken big swings in the trade market, and this deal fits right in with their past strategies.
The Commanders’ Need in the Secondary
Washington’s defense, anchored by star defensive linemen like **Jonathan Allen** and **Montez Sweat**, has performed admirably so far in the 2024 season. However, the secondary has been an area of concern. While safety **Kamren Curl** has been a standout, the cornerback position lacks depth and consistency. **Kendall Fuller**, one of the team’s more experienced cornerbacks, has been solid, but adding a young, dynamic talent like Jaycee Horn could elevate the entire unit.
Horn’s man-to-man coverage skills would be an immediate boost for a team looking to match up against some of the league’s top wide receivers. In the NFC East alone, Washington faces elite talents like the Philadelphia Eagles’ **A.J. Brown** and the Dallas Cowboys’ **CeeDee Lamb** twice a year. A lockdown corner like Horn could help neutralize those threats and give Washington’s defense a greater margin for error.
Horn’s Struggles with Injuries
One reason a trade for Horn might not cost Washington as much in draft capital as you might expect is his injury history. Since entering the league, Horn has dealt with multiple injuries that have limited his availability. In 2021, his rookie season was cut short after just three games due to a fractured foot. While he showed promise in his limited appearances, the injuries have been a persistent issue.
In 2024, Horn has managed to stay on the field, but teams may still view him as a risk. However, for Washington, the potential upside outweighs the risk. If Horn can stay healthy, he has the talent to be a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback for years to come. And with the Commanders’ window to contend looking open in the near future, the time to take a gamble on a player like Horn might be now.
What Would Washington Have to Give Up?
Trades of this magnitude often involve significant draft capital, and acquiring a player of Horn’s potential would likely require Washington to part with valuable assets. A second- or third-round pick seems to be the most reasonable asking price, especially considering Horn’s pedigree and upside.
For the Panthers, who are in the midst of a rebuild, acquiring additional draft picks would help them retool for the future. With a new regime in Carolina and young quarterback **Bryce Young** still developing, the Panthers might be more inclined to move a player like Horn in exchange for draft assets that could help them build around their young quarterback.
Why the Commanders Should Make This Move
The 2024 season has been a revelation for the Commanders. Led by young quarterback **Sam Howell**, Washington has raced out to a strong start, and their offense has looked more potent than it has in years. Wide receiver **Terry McLaurin** remains the focal point of the passing game, but Howell has also benefitted from the emergence of running back **Brian Robinson Jr.** and other playmakers like **Jahan Dotson**.
With the offense humming, the biggest question mark for the Commanders remains their defense, specifically the secondary. Adding a player like Jaycee Horn would not only shore up their defense but also signal to the rest of the league that Washington is serious about making a deep playoff run.
The NFC East is one of the toughest divisions in football, and the Commanders will need every advantage they can get to compete with the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. By adding Horn, Washington would be addressing their biggest weakness while also ensuring they have a young, talented cornerback to build around for years to come.
### Conclusion: A Risk Worth Taking?
While there are certainly risks involved in trading for Jaycee Horn—namely his injury history—the potential reward far outweighs those risks. Horn is a supremely talented cornerback with the physical tools to be a dominant player in the NFL. If Washington can acquire him without giving up too much in return, it would be a huge win for a team that is on the rise.
For the Commanders, this move would be about more than just the 2024 season. It would be a statement of intent—an indication that the team is ready to compete for championships and is willing to take the necessary risks to get there. With a strong core already in place and a young quarterback who looks like the real deal, the time to make a bold move like this is now.
Ultimately, bringing in a former top pick like Jaycee Horn could be the missing piece that pushes Washington over the top and into the realm of true Super Bowl contenders. It’s a gamble, but it’s one worth taking if the Commanders want to solidify their place among the NFL’s elite.
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