Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera believes that despite trading away defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young, the team still has an opportunity to succeed. Rivera sees this as a chance to evaluate the rest of the roster and find ways to win games using different players. The Commanders have lost five of their last six games and will be starting Casey Toohill and James Smith-Williams at defensive end in place of Sweat and Young. Rivera also expressed optimism about quarterback Sam Howell's development and believes he may be the answer the team has been searching for. The trades have given Washington additional salary cap space and draft picks for the future.

• Washington Commanders traded away defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young, but coach Ron Rivera believes the team still has an opportunity to succeed.
• Rivera sees this as a chance to evaluate the rest of the roster and find ways to win games using different players.
• Casey Toohill and James Smith-Williams will start at defensive end in place of Sweat and Young.
• Rivera expressed optimism about quarterback Sam Howell's development and believes he may be the answer the team has been searching for.
• The trades have given Washington additional salary cap space and draft picks for the future.