3 players the Washington Commanders gave up on way too early

SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 22: Cornerback Champ Bailey #24 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL game on September 22, 2002 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The 49er's won 20-10. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /

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Champ Bailey Mandatory Credit: Ezra O. Shaw /Allsport /

3 players the Washington Commanders gave up on way too early: Champ Bailey

Last but not least is Champ Bailey, who’s now in the Hall of Fame. He was selected by the Washington Commanders, aka the Washington Redskins, in the 1999 NFL Draft seventh overall. It didn’t take long for Baily to become a star.

Starting in his second season, Baily made eight straight of his 12 pro-bowl appearances. In five seasons with Washington, he recorded 18 interceptions, one touchdown, and 332 combined tackles. Yet the Redskins traded him for running back Clinton Portis from the Denver Broncos.

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Portis ended up being the franchise’s second all-time rusher so it wasn’t like Washington didn’t get a positive return from it. However, Baily ended up making eight pro-bowls and three first-team All-Pros with the Broncos.

Whereas Portis only made one pro-bowl with the Redskins and had injury issues during his tenure. While Portis did good things with Washington, his career didn’t go nearly as well as Bailey’s did and the Redskins lost out on Baily’s prime during his Hall of Fame career.

Do you agree with this list? Were there any other players the Washington Commanders gave up on too early? Comment below with your thoughts.

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