If you go to a dance, you certainly need a partner if you are going to dance with someone.
The Washington Commanders currently own the No. 29 overall selection in this 2025 NFL draft. If the Commanders wish to trade down from No. 29, which NFL teams might be willing to move up in a trade with Washington?
Logan Paulsen and Craig Hoffman discussed this question on the latest episode of the "Take Command" podcast.
Paulsen felt strongly that three teams could be very interested in trading up from their second-round pick into Washington's position at 29: the New York Giants (34), the New Orleans Saints (40), and the New York Jets (42). Warning listeners, Paulsen was quick to clarify that he doesn't see many teams wanting to trade back up into the first round because he sees the value of this draft in the second and third rounds.
Why might these three teams want to trade up to No.29? Quarterback was the reason expressed by Paulsen and Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) in particular. "I would assume Dart will still be there at 34 for the Giants," said Paulsen. But then he added that this is how trades are made. For example, if the Saints (40) or Jets (42) wanted to move ahead of the Giants (34), ensuring they get the quarterback they want, but certainly didn't want to spend their own first-round choice on Dart.
Hoffman mentioned that trading up might be worth it to one of those teams to pick a player you want at 29 because it would provide that team with a fifth-year option on the selected player in the first round.
What type of compensation could the Commanders receive if they were to make such a draft-night trade? Both Hoffman and Paulsen agreed that moving from 29 to 34 or 40 could bring back an additional fourth-round pick. Paulsen, by the way, added that with the fourth-round pick, the Commanders could draft a running back this year.
Not to be overlooked, Paulsen also added that a team might want to trade back into the first round at 29 if there is a particular player who fits their team's particular need. For example, if a team needs an edge rusher, they may be willing to trade up to 29 for DE Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College), or if they need a big lineman, DT Derrick Harmon (Oregon) could be a desired target.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Analyst names 3 teams who could be trade partners for Commanders