• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 12, 2025

Commanders Owner Josh Harris Begins Remodeling Product on the Field

  • Commanders traded Chase Young and Montez Sweat ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
  • The team added more draft picks before what could be an offseason of change.
Josh Harris
Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

It took Josh Harris 102 days to put his imprint on the Washington Commanders. 

Since Harris’ ownership group took control over the Commanders as the $6.05 billion deal officially closed on July 21, this season was about evaluating the whole organization. At 3-5 ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, that meant trading two starting defensive ends — Chase Young and Montez Sweat — for draft picks.

Harris and others in the ownership group, along with the team’s front office, were in “full alignment” on those deals, a source with knowledge of the matter told Front Office Sports. 

“This was best to help build a team that can win over the long haul,” the source added. 

It wasn’t the kind of move that former owner Dan Snyder was known for during his 24 years as owner. Snyder, despite the team only making it to the playoffs six times during his troubled tenure, never fully put the team in rebuilding mode. 

But that’s where the Commanders are likely headed. 

Young netted the Commanders a third-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers, and Sweat was dealt to the Chicago Bears for a second-round pick. Both were in the final years of their contracts, and the picks the Commanders received were better than the compensatory ones the team would’ve gotten if they left as free agents. 

The team will enter the offseason with a projected $90 million cap space — and the changes could extend beyond the roster. Head coach Ron Rivera has one more season left on his contract and continues to have a say on player personnel, including Tuesday’s trades. 

Rivera is in his fourth season, and only a 7-9 2020 campaign was the Commanders’ only trip to the postseason since he arrived. He arguably had more control than any other coach on roster composition during Snyder’s reign, especially as Snyder faded into the background amid a series of investigations — including the one that led to his record $60 million fine as Harris secured the Commanders in July. 

Harris entered this season in evaluation mode from the condition of FedEx Field fan amenities in Maryland to the front office in Northern Virginia. 

The immediate needs of FedEx were addressed with $40 million in upgrades committed to FedEx. Building a new stadium and rebuilding the roster will take much longer. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
NFL

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.
Jeff Kaplan

Letting PE Invest in Family-Owned Teams Is a ‘Watershed’

Liquidity gives owners greater flexibility to manage salary cap.

Featured Today

Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
Alex Rodriguez

Finally in Charge, A-Rod Says Timberwolves Need New Arena

Rodriguez and Lore would like to repair team relations with Kevin Garnett.
July 9, 2025

From Dynasty to Disarray: Red Bull Fires Christian Horner

He served as Red Bull team principal for more than two decades.
Alex Sarr
July 9, 2025

Wizards Pushing Limits of Youth With 11 Players on Rookie Deals

Washington’s 2025 first-round pick is top-eight protected.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Chelsea
July 8, 2025

Chelsea Club World Cup Run Banks at Least $100M for Mark Walter..

The Blues will likely take home between $100 million and $120 million.
July 8, 2025

Texas Sports Teams, Leagues Donate Over $5M to Flood Relief

NFL, MLB, and NBA teams in Texas donate to flood recovery efforts.
Chelsea
July 8, 2025

Club World Cup Semis Are Battle to Make Richest Soccer Final Ever

Semifinalists have each earned at least $60 million from the tournament so far.
July 7, 2025

Nationals Hit Reset Button, Oust Rizzo and Martinez Before Draft

The MLB club made major leadership changes just days before the draft.