The Washington Commanders could be one of a few different teams trying to trade back in the 2026 NFL Draft. In a new 2026 NFL mock draft this weekend, CBS Sports’s Carter Bahns predicted the Commanders to successfully execute a move back.
But to orchestrate the move, Bahns proposed Washington helping a division rival, the Dallas Cowboys.
In his mock draft, Bahns pitched the Commanders move back to No. 12 while the Cowboys acquire Washington’s No. 7 overall selection.
“If Jayden Daniels is to find success in what the Commanders hope is a healthier 2026 season, the front office has to give him more weapons,” wrote Bahns. “Terry McLaurin is back as the bona fide No. 1 receiver, but the rest of the cupboard is quite bare.
“Adding the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner to the group is about as exciting of a move as the Commanders could make with their first of two first-round picks (which they acquired from the Cowboys in our mock trade).”
Division trades are pretty rare, especially in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Bahns might not have proposed the full details of his Commanders-Cowboys first-round trade pitch. But essentially, he suggested Washington could get both of the first-round selections Dallas has in 2026 while sending No. 7 overall to the Cowboys.
In Bahns’s mock, the Commanders landed wide receiver Makai Lemon at No. 12 and then cornerback Jermod McCoy at No. 20 overall.
Pundits regard Lemon as one of the top wideouts in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
Could Commanders Make Blockbuster Trade With Cowboys?
GettyCBS Sports’s Carter Bahns predicted Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders to trade back in the 2026 NFL Draft with the Dallas Cowboys.
The last notable first-round draft trade involving two division rivals was the Detroit Lions deal with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. The Lions moved up to No. 12 overall and also acquired the No. 46 pick for three selections — No. 32, 34 and 66.
At No. 12, Detroit selected wide receiver Jameson Williams.
That’s a prime example of why these types of trades don’t happen. The Vikings now have to game plan twice a year to slow down Williams and the Lions offense.
Interestingly, in Bahns’s proposal, it’s the Commanders landing the offensive playmaker. But in the hypothetical, the Cowboys moved up for edge rusher David Bailey.
Bahns argued Washington will try to trade back if Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love isn’t available at No. 7. On Tuesday, NFL insider Albert Breer named the Commanders as a team trying to move back.
So, a trade back scenario is certainly possible.
But it’s hard to imagine the Commanders doing that, even for two first-rounders, to help the Cowboys. Especially when edge rusher is a need in Washington too.
In Bahns’s mock, Bailey fell to the Commanders at No. 7.
How Makai Lemon Would Fit With Commanders
GettyPundits regard USC wide receiver Makai Lemon as one of the top wideouts in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With long-term questions at edge rusher, the Commanders could use adding an elite defensive prospect at that position. But if they landed Lemon in a trade back scenario, the playmaker would fill another need.
Lemon could start immediately alongside WR1 Terry McLaurin. As of April 18, Treylon Burks is in line for that role, which is less than ideal for Washington.
The Commanders also signed veterans Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson in 2026 NFL free agency.
Both ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Lemon a top 12 prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
“High-skill, high-volume slot receiver with average size but extraordinary ball skills. Lemon has room for refinement, but not much,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “He’s intelligent, confident and polished with the ability to make plays on all three levels.
“Lemon is a plug-and-play, quarterback-friendly talent with first-round value and Pro Bowl upside.”
In 2025, Lemon posted 79 catches, 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns at USC.
Commanders Predicted to Add Top NFL Draft Playmaker in Bold Move With Cowboys