When it comes to the NFL draft, one unwritten rule tends to reign supreme – don’t deal with divisional foes. But Washington Commanders GM Adam Peters defied that age-old adage with a bold trade that’s got fans up in arms. During Friday night’s draft frenzy, Peters swung a deal with none other than Eagles GM Howie Roseman, his counterpart on the hated Philadelphia rival.

“You’re a pain in the ass,” Peters told Eagles GM Howie Roseman after completing the trade on phone, providing a candid glimpse into the high-stakes negotiations. While fans avoid aiding rivals at all costs, Peters made the bold decision, netting picks 50 and 53 in return.

So what drove Peters to break from protocol and broker a deal with the enemy? The rationale was as simple as it was high-risk.“Howie came with a strong offer, favorable in terms of the point chart for us,” Peters explained after Day 2. “We liked it in terms of what it gave us and getting those two picks at 50 and 53.”

The bargaining chip that paved the way? Letting the Eagles leapfrog up to snag Iowa’s lockdown corner prospect Cooper DeJean. A future thorn in Washington’s side perhaps, but one Peters felt was worth the price of admission.

While frowned upon, elite teams hyperfocus on maximizing value, even if it means inadvertently strengthening competitors in the short term. “For now, Commanders fans may not feel too well about their GM dealing with Philly,” Peters conceded. “But I’m confident in the move, in who we added to the roster.”