Jets, Cowboys Inquire On Raiders’ Davante Adams; Bills, Saints, Steelers In Mix
Early in the Davante Adams market, the obvious trade suitor does look to be readying a pursuit. Linked to the wide receiver since acquiring Aaron Rodgers, the Jets are in on the disgruntled Raiders wide receiver.
They have reached out to the Raiders on Adams, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, who adds the Cowboys have done the same in what may be a drawn-out sweepstakes. Adams also would be interested in joining the Jets, as veteran NFL reporter Jordan Schultz indicates they are one of his preferred destinations.
Rodgers has been lobbying the Jets to make the move, per Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline, who indicates teams beyond New York and Dallas are expected to be part of this derby. It is not known how interested other teams are just yet, but Pauline notes the Bills, Saints and Steelers join the Jets in being the most interested parties presently.
Seeking a package worth a second-round pick and change, the Raiders are prepared to wait. While Adams wants out now and has been frustrated about his situation dating back to the Raiders’ Jimmy Garoppolo signing, the team has more than a month until this year’s trade deadline, which was moved back one week — to November 5 — via an offseason vote. It appears unlikely Adams will suit up before that point.
As the Raiders seek a second-rounder-headlined package, Pauline floats that a first-round choice being put on the table would move the deal across the goal line. Though, Adams is a high-priced player who will turn 32 before season’s end. Still, he probably will be the top wide receiver available ahead of this year’s deadline.
Despite looming as an obvious trade candidate dating back to last season, Adams had repeatedly indicated he did not want to be moved. That has since changed, with the situation escalating. Antonio Pierce liking an Instagram post about a potential Adams trade has apparently catalyzed these proceedings. Adams officially requested a trade Monday, per The Athletic’s Vic Tafur. Pierce is set to address this situation later today, but Schultz adds Adams’ camp approached the Raiders about a potential trade last season but stopped short of an official request. Adams played out the season, but the Raiders have drifted further away from the championship radar, which Pauline notes is a lead factor in the WR wanting out.
Adams has appeared out of place in Las Vegas, with the team’s decision to jettison Derek Carr one season into the wide receiver’s tenure planting seeds for this relationship’s deterioration. After spending his entire Green Bay career with Rodgers, Adams has seen the Raiders cycle through a few QBs. The Garoppolo fit, as Netflix’s Receiver showed, proved the most problematic. But the Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew stopgaps — as a Pierce-driven effort to trade up for Jayden Daniels did not come close to fruition — leave the 11th-year wideout in limbo. Teams have undoubtedly observed this as well, and this trade request will ignite one of the most interesting trade races in recent memory.
As the Bills, Saints, Steelers and Cowboys loom as well, the obvious issue that would impede a fit with the Chiefs will make such a move a nonstarter. Kansas City is not expected be an option for Vegas re: Adams, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. While the Chiefs are suddenly in need of a difference-making receiver after losing Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown, the Raiders being division rivals will not lead to any traction with Adams.
The Saints would appeal to Adams, Schefter adds. This would again reunite Adams with Carr, his longtime friend and former Fresno State teammate. New Orleans is 2-2, thanks to two impressive wins and two narrow losses, and a need for a wideout presence alongside Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed has existed dating back to the offseason. New Orleans only holds $2.8MM in cap space, but GM Mickey Loomis has proven adept at working around such hindrances. Adams also counts Saints wide receivers coach Keith Williams, who has been the receiver’s personal coach in the offseason, as a mentor, Schefter adds.
The Bills are also near the bottom in cap space, at $3.7MM. The Raiders can also pick up some of Adams’ base salary (a prorated $16.9MM) to improve trade compensation. Buffalo has attempted to play four weeks without a No. 1-level wide receiver, though Khalil Shakir has been effective and second-rounder Keon Coleman has shown promise. The Bills were in on DeAndre Hopkins before trading Stefon Diggs in 2023, however, and should be expected to kick the tires on receivers before the deadline. The Steelers memorably missed out on Brandon Aiyuk, despite agreeing to trade parameters with the 49ers. Adams would fit on an offense that features only one eight-figure-per-year contract (Pat Freiermuth‘s recent extension). While the Steelers are not known for splashy WR acquisitions, the Aiyuk pursuit shows they were ready to change that reputation.
Dallas has been lacking in CeeDee Lamb support since trading Amari Cooper, with its long-running Odell Beckham Jr. pursuit in 2022 and subsequent Brandin Cooks trade highlighting interest in augmenting its WR situation. Cooks and Adams were 2014 draft classmates, though the latter has proven to be a higher-tier receiver. He would certainly help a team that, thanks to the Lamb and Dak Prescott extensions, carries $23.8MM in cap space. The Cowboys have not shown interest in acquiring high-profile vets at other positions this season, but they appear willing to consider making an exception for Adams.
Circling back to the Jets, their HC-GM combo being on a hot seat — along with the perception this is currently a Rodgers-centric operation — makes them an obvious suitor. It would surprise if the team did not make an aggressive move here, even after signing Mike Williams in March. Rodgers said this summer he was eager to play with his former No. 1 target again, and the QB has not formed strong chemistry with Garrett Wilson just yet. The Jets carry $16.8MM in cap space.
This quintet each making an offer would strengthen the Raiders’ position, and 2025 draft capital would help the franchise’s 2025 QB pursuit. Adams will become $970K cheaper for a team to acquire as the weeks pass — on a contract featuring two high nonguaranteed 2025 and ’26 salaries ($35.6MM, $36.6MM) — and this may well be the top trade sweepstakes to monitor over the next month.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/2/24
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Practice window opened: T Christian Jones
Cleveland Browns
- Signed to active roster: LB Nathaniel Watson
Green Bay Packers
- Practice window opened: DT Jonathan Ford
Houston Texans
- Practice window opened: DT Kurt Hinish
Las Vegas Raiders
- Practice window opened: S Trey Taylor
New York Giants
- Practice window opened: LB Matthew Adams
Miami Dolphins
- Practice window opened: CB Cam Smith
New England Patriots
- Designated for return from reserve/PUP list: WR Kendrick Bourne, LB Sione Takitaki (story)
- Practice window opened: S Marte Mapu
New York Jets
- Practice window opened: DT Leki Fotu
- Released from IR: LB Brandon Smith
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed to active roster: RB Aaron Shampklin
- Practice window opened: LB Jeremiah Moon
San Francisco 49ers
- Practice window opened: DL Kalia Davis
Seattle Seahawks
- Designated for return from PUP list: DT Cameron Young
Today marks most teams’ first practice before Week 5, making it the first date players stashed on IR as teams set their initial 53-man rosters can work out again with their teams. This year’s IR tweak allowed teams to designate up to two players for return August 27, the catch being all players who receive that designation count toward their respective club’s eight-activation total. The batch included in today’s minor moves post consists entirely of players to receive that August IR-return designation.
The IR-return window is unchanged, however, with teams having 21 days from Wednesday to activate these players. Anyone from today’s group not being activated from IR by October 23 must miss the rest of the season. PFR will keep track of all players returning from IR via the Injured Reserve Return Tracker.
Raiders Gauging Interest In Davante Adams; WR Prefers To Be Traded
Davante Adams‘ name has frequently been floated in trade rumors, and that remains the case through four weeks of the season. While nothing is imminent, a deal is at least receiving consideration on the part of the Raiders. 
Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports the team is “growing open to the idea” of a trade sending Adams elsewhere, adding the Raiders have reached out to teams to gauge his market.. Such a development was speculated in advance of the 2024 campaign, one in which expectations were low for the Raiders. Sitting at 2-2 on the year, Vegas is certainly not out of the playoff picture; still, a deal involving Adams would not come as a surprise.
[RELATED: Raiders Seeking Second-Round Pick, More For WR]
The lines of communication between team and player appear to be open at this point. Adams has informed the Raiders his preference is to be traded, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report. Nothing is imminent as things currently stand, but that could could certainly change in relatively short order.
The three-time All-Pro had made it clear multiple times this summer he remained committed to the Raiders. That sentiment was reciprocated by the team, one now led by general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce. No thought was given to a trade in the build-up to the campaign, and that sentiment reportedly remained the same before Week 4. Adams missed that contest due to a hamstring injury, and the 31-year-old is considered week-to-week.
Despite the desire expressed by both parties in continuing their relationship, Adams was seen around the league as a potential trade target before the season kicked off. Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers remarked about his interest in reuniting with the former Green Bay Pro Bowler in the future, and when speaking about a hypothetical trade Adams named the Jets as a desirable destination. It remains to be seen if New York is among the teams which Vegas has been in contact with while exploring a potential deal, but the Jets are of course a logical suitor.
Three years remain on the Fresno State product’s deal, but only 2024 contains guaranteed salary. Adams’ base compensation for this season is $16.89MM; any acquiring team would take on a prorated portion of that figure before no doubt engaging in talks on a reworked contract covering future campaigns. Adams has yet to go public with any trade request, but actions from Pierce has led to a new wave of speculation on the subject.
The first-year head coach (in a full-time capacity) liked an Instagram post from Sports Illustrated suggesting Adams will be dealt. When asked about the matter during an appearance on the Up and Adams show, the 11th-year veteran said he has not yet spoken with Pierce (video link). Adams added that he is not aware of any actions on the team’s part regarding a trade being sought out.
“I don’t really know exactly what that was about,” he said. “It’s one of those situations where I just keep my head down and keep doing my thing and let the chips fall where they may. There’s been no communication with anybody from the team since that became a thing… It’s always some sort of drama… So, people can say what they want, but I’m just chilling and trying to be the model for not stirring the pot and just locking in and doing what I got to do.”
As noted by Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the Raiders declined to comment on the situation (subscription required). Provided Bonsignore’s report is accurate, though, this situation will become one of the league’s central storylines leading up to the trade deadline. 18 teams currently have eight figures’ worth of cap space to work with, meaning a number of suitors could emerge especially later on in the campaign as Adams’ acquisition cost (in terms of finances) drops.
After a strong campaign reunited with Derek Carr for 2022, Adams’ production dipped last season. Still, his 103-1,144-8 statline demonstrates his potential at this stage of his career, and he would be an attractive trade piece for any number of teams. Whether or not the Raiders proceed with serious talks on a swap in the near future will be worth watching closely.
Latest On Davante Adams’ Trade Potential
In a scene that’s been building for quite some time, Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams made it clear today that he prefers to be traded. The timing of today’s events was a bit surprising, but according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the situation “has been brewing for a while.” Reed points out that, since Adams’ arrival in Las Vegas, the Raiders are just 16-22 and Adams has been on the receiving end of passes from six different quarterbacks.
One catalyst for the recent developments could have been the official hiring of head coach Antonio Pierce after his term as interim head coach last season. While Pierce’s official promotion was a popular decision among the players in Las Vegas, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that, lately, Pierce’s relationship with the team’s star receiver has been deteriorating. As a result, teams became aware yesterday that Adams could be available in a trade, per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
Howe adds that “the general projection so far is” that Adams will draw a third-round draft pick in a trade, perhaps more if a team makes a harder push based on their level of interest. This doesn’t necessarily align with the Raiders’ desires as ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez informed readers that they would consider trading Adams “for a package that would include a second-round draft pick and additional compensation.”
The “additional compensation” part of that package may be a hard one to come by, though, as there seems to be an assumption that acquiring Adams will require some adjustments and restructuring to his current contract. According to Jonathan Jones of NFL on CBS, this would likely require teams to get access to communicate with Adams in order to negotiate a restructure.
Because of the potential commitment of capital that will be required for a restructured deal, it appears that teams are pushing for third-round compensation, as opposed to second-round. NFL Insider Josina Anderson reported that an NFC team has shown interest in acquiring Adams, just not for a second-round pick. Anderson also posited that some teams may push for Las Vegas to absorb some of Adams’ 2024 salary, a sticking point that may make it difficult for Adams to be moved.
It’s an extremely fluid situation and the optics will likely continue to change over the coming days and weeks. For now, though, the Raiders are hoping for a second-round pick with some additional compensation, while other teams are hesitant to commit a second-round pick knowing they’re likely going to have to work out a new contract for the 31-year-old. It’s a situation to watch as things continue to develop.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/1/24
Today’s practice squad updates around the NFL:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: T Austen Pleasants
Atlanta Falcons
- Released: S Dane Cruikshank
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: LB William Kwenkeu
- Released: RB John Kelly
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: LB Jackson Mitchell
- Released: CB Azizi Hearn
Chicago Bears
- Released (with injury settlement): DT Sam Roberts
Denver Broncos
- Signed: RB Salvon Ahmed
- Released: WR Kaden Davis
Houston Texans
- Released: LB Zeke Turner
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: RB Trent Pennix
- Released: K Spencer Shrader
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: RB Jake Funk, CB Tyler Hall
- Released: RB Jalen Jackson
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: TE Cole Fotheringham
- Released: S Phalen Sanford
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: S Tony Jefferson
- Released: T Braeden Daniels
Los Angeles Rams
- Released: K Tanner Brown
New England Patriots
- Signed: WR Jermaine Jackson
- Released: WR John Jiles
New Orleans Saints
- Released: RB Jacob Kibodi
New York Giants
- Signed: WR Kearis Jackson, CB Greg Stroman
- Released (with injury settlement): TE Lawrence Cager
- Released: CB Alex Johnson, TE Joel Wilson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: LB Eku Leota, RB La’Mical Perine
- Released: RB Jack Colletto, LB Marcus Haynes
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: DT Shakel Brown
Seattle Seahawks
- Released: DT Matt Gotel
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: LB Kalen DeLoach
Washington Commanders
- Signed: G Marquis Hayes, S Sheldrick Redwine
The Broncos are bringing in the veteran running back Ahmed after he spent four years in Miami. Ahmed’s biggest role came in four starts as an undrafted rookie back in 2020 in which he rushed for 319 yards and three touchdowns over six games. He served as a reliable backup for the Dolphins for the past few years.
The Chargers released Jefferson yesterday, but they’ll keep him around on the practice squad with today’s signing. The veteran adds some quality depth to the roster.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/30/24
Today’s practice squad moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: LB Rashaan Evans
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: TE Stephen Sullivan, WR Deven Thompkins
- Released: WR Sam Pinckney
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: WR Ramel Keyton
Rashaan Evans has landed in a familiar spot. The veteran linebacker has signed with the Falcons practice squad, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. After spending the first four seasons of his career in Tennessee, the former first-round pick spent the 2022 campaign in Atlanta. He ended up having a career year, compiling a team-leading 159 tackles to go along with two sacks and one forced fumble.
Despite the counting stats, it took Evans until last September to find another gig, this time in Philly. He lasted less than a week with the Eagles before settling in Dallas. He ended up getting into nine games with the Cowboys, but he was waived in December after getting arrested for possession of marijuana.
While it once again took him until September to find a job, he’ll step into a potential role in Atlanta, at least temporarily. The Falcons need a bit of depth following the injury to Troy Andersen. At the end of his standout performance on Sunday (16 tackles and a pick-six), the linebacker suffered a knee injury that’s been deemed day-to-day, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With Nate Landman also sidelined, the Falcons may need some extra bodies when they take on the Buccaneers this Thursday.
Colts LB E.J. Speed A Trade Candidate?
The Colts’ plans to have linebacker Shaquille Leonard anchor the middle of their defense for the long haul took a sour turn when Leonard proved unable to return to form following offseason back surgery in 2022. Indianapolis ultimately waived Leonard last November, and one of the reasons the team felt comfortable in making that move was the presence of fellow ‘backer E.J. Speed.
Speed, 29, was selected by the Colts in the fifth round of the 2019 draft, and he operated primarily as a special-teamer over the first three years of his career. As a result of Leonard’s health issues, Speed began to see more defensive snaps in 2022, and his performance that season was enough to earn him a two-year, $8MM contract to stay in Indy.
In 2023, Speed started a career-high 11 games and appeared in two-thirds of the Colts’ defensive snaps. HIs 65.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus was solid, if unspectacular, though he scored very highly in terms of run defense and posted 102 total tackles. Through the first three games of 2024, he has become a true every-down linebacker, enjoying a 99% snap share and recording 34 total stops.
PFF is still not enamored with his work, as the site presently considers him the 46th-best LB out of 75 qualifiers in 2024. The usual small sample size caveats apply here, but the Colts’ defense as a whole has underperformed, ranking 31st in terms of total defense (though they have yielded fewer points than the raw yardage would suggest and are currently 14th in points allowed per game).
Between the early struggles of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson and the porousness of the defense, Indianapolis has gotten off to a 1-2 start. And, as Speed is a veteran on an expiring contract, ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes the Tarleton State product is a “name to watch” at the trade deadline if the Colts fall out of contention (subscription required).
Any number of teams would be happy to plug a tackle machine into the second level of their defense at the deadline, even if Speed is far from the complete defender that Leonard was in his prime. Graziano specifically names the Bills, Patriots, and Raiders as possible landing spots, although New England and Las Vegas appear as if they might be deadline sellers as opposed to buyers as of the time of this writing.
As Mike Chappell of Fox 59 observes, Speed has posted at least 10 tackles in seven straight games, dating back to last year. That is the longest such streak for a Colts player since at least 1987, and the second-longest streak for any NFL player since that same year.
Raiders’ Davante Adams Facing Multi-Week Absence
Davante Adams is dealing with a hamstring injury, and he will be out of the Raiders’ lineup for tomorrow’s contest. The All-Pro wideout is set to be sidelined for a longer period, however.
Adams’ injury occurred during Vegas’ Thursday practice, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Paul Gutierrez report he is expected to be out for multiple weeks. Hamstring injuries can often linger, and players prematurely returning to the field can lead to lengthier absences. The Raiders will no doubt proceed with caution in this case.
Since being acquired via trade in 2022, Adams as served as the team’s top wideout. The 31-year-old totaled 203 catches across his first two campaigns in Vegas, and expectations remain high for his output moving forward. His 209 yards lead the team in 2024, underscoring how impactful his absence will be in the passing game. While missed time could lower Adams’ trade value, the ESPN report reiterates such a move is not under consideration (as was the case during the offseason). Indeed, Schefter and Gutierrez note that the Raiders turned away multiple teams interested in a trade this offseason before those clubs could even make an offer.
Still, the six-time Pro Bowler was viewed in the build-up to the season as a trade candidate depending on how the campaign played out, and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk openly wonders whether Adams has already played his last snaps for Las Vegas. The Raiders sit at 1-2 after a lopsided loss to the Panthers. Head coach Antonio Pierce made his displeasure clear in the aftermath of that contest, leading to speculation signficant changes could be coming. Quarterback Gardner Minshew remains atop the depth chart, however, and the veteran will now rely on other pass-catching options for the time being.
Tight end Brock Bowers has enjoyed a strong start to his rookie season, registering at least 41 yards in each game to date. Vegas’ top pick in April’s draft will be expected to take on a larger target share in Adams’ absence. At the receiver spot, veteran Jakobi Meyers is now positioned to handle an increased workload alongside fellow starter Tre Tucker. The latter posted 96 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions last week, and Vegas’ offense would welcome a repeat performance on Sunday.
Placing Adams on injured reserve would require a four-game absence. It remains to be seen if such a move becomes necessary, but his status will be worth watching closely over the near future as the Raiders (a team which will be without Maxx Crosby on Sunday) look to avoid a 1-3 start to the season.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/28/24
Minor transactions and practice squad callups for the Week 4 weekend:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: DT Angelo Blackson, T Charlie Heck
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: G Matt Hennessy
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: RB Chris Collier
- Placed on IR: CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: OLB Thomas Incoom, DE DeShawn Williams
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: DT Byron Cowart, S Tarvarius Moore
- Placed on IR: TE Stephen Carlson (story)
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: CB Tony Brown, TE Geoff Swaim
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: LB Levelle Bailey, S Tanner McCalister
Green Bay Packers
- Elevated: CB Kamal Hadden, CB Robert Rochell
Houston Texans
- Elevated: RB J.J. Taylor
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: DT Adam Gotsis, CB David Long
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed to active roster: TE Josiah Deguara
- Elevated: CB Christian Braswell, LB Tanner Muse
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed to active roster: TE John Samuel Shenker
- Elevated: WR Alex Bachman, OLB K’Lavon Chaisson
- Waived: WR Ramel Keyton
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: LB Blake Lynch, C Sam Mustipher
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated: WR Xavier Smith, CB Ahkello Witherspoon
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: OLB Bo Richter, TE Robert Tonyan
New England Patriots
- Signed to active roster: CB Isaiah Bolden
- Elevated: DT Trysten Hill, TE Mitchell Wilcox
- Placed on IR: CB Alex Austin
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: G Kyle Hergel
New York Jets
- Elevated: DT Bruce Hector, LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: WR Parris Campbell, WR John Ross
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: CB Thomas Graham Jr., RB Aaron Shampklin
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed to active roster: DE Sam Okuayinonu
- Elevated: DT Evan Anderson, S Jaylen Mahoney
- Placed on IR: DT Javon Hargrave (story), LB Curtis Robinson (story)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: P Trenton Gill, WR Sterling Shepard
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: DE Andre Jones Jr., RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Kliff Kingsbury Addresses Return To Coaching, Commanders Hire
When Kliff Kingsbury was fired as head coach of the Cardinals last January, his coaching future was in doubt. He found himself back in the NFL this offseason, however, and his tenure as offensive coordinator of the Commanders has been impressive to date. 
“I really didn’t think I was ever going to coach again,” Kingsbury recalled during an interview with Sam Fortier of the Washington Post. “It was set up so perfectly just to ride off into the sunset.”
The 45-year-old served as coach of the Cardinals from 2019-22, with his first three campaigns producing year-over-year improvement in the win-loss department. The final campaign of that tenure produced a 4-13 record, though, and it came as little surprise when the organization cleaned house. Kingsbury took a trip to Thailand while contemplating his future before ultimately taking a gig on Lincoln Riley‘s USC staff for the 2023 season.
That one-and-done tenure did not produce a desire to remain at the college level on a full-time basis. Kingsbury – who served as Texas Tech’s head coach for six years – noted he does not intend to return to the NCAA level in the near future. He drew considerable interest on the NFL coordinator market during the winter, interviewing with the Bears and Eagles. Kingsbury added he was prepared to take those gigs, but both teams went in a different direction.
A deal then appeared to be in place with the Raiders for their offensive coordinator spot. The agreement fell through, however, and Kingsbury’s interview reveals Vegas offered him a two-year contract. He was aiming for a three-year pact, and that sticking point paved the way for Dan Quinn hiring him to lead Washington’s offense. While minority owner Magic Johnson was initially believed to have played a role in Kingsbury winding up in the nation’s capital, Kingsbury confirmed that was not the case.
Using second overall pick Jayden Daniels at quarterback right away during his rookie season, the Commanders have impressed so far on offense. Washington ranks fifth in scoring and sixth in yardage, and the team has not punted over the past two games. Daniels has yet to commit a turnover, and remaining comfortable in Kingsbury’s scheme could allow Washington to exceed expectations moving forward. In that event, Kingsbury’s head coaching stock could become something to monitor for future hiring cycles.