The Washington Commanders will be a big player at both running back and wide receiver in free agency, but 2026 could be the last year for one key player, according to one analyst.
The rumor mill continues to heat up with teams re-signing players and free agency now just days away for the Washington Commanders to make moves, including rumblings along the offense.
The need at running back is clear this offseason with free agents like Rico Dowdle, Kenneth Gainwell, Rachaad White and Tyler Allgeier among the free agents who fit the Commanders' need and complement returning piece Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but what type of running back they could be in the market for could be more clear.
Offensive coordinator David Blough reiterated the need this offseason while ESPN reiterated that Washington is expected to be a strong player in the market in free agency, but Matthew Berry of NBC Sports added that the Commanders want a thumper - "and by that I mean a true early-down star running back," he added.
Berry noted the coaching staff does not like Chris Rodriguez, who enters the offseason as a restricted free agent, in the passing game while Austin Ekeler's absence proved notable for Washington. Croskey-Merritt will be able to add stability to the unit but, according to Berry, Washington thinks of him "more as a '2 or 3' than a true lead back," while adding the expected is the player who will lead the backfield in touches isn't on next year's roster.
The need to upgrade the position becomes more clear given Berry added the offense under David Blough is expected to look like a "Ben Johnson offense," adding to emphasis on motion and play action with a strong run game and trick plays to complement the playbook.
While all eyes have been on adding a former college teammate of Jayden Daniels at another position of need, White has been open this offseason about his interest in reuniting with his former Arizona State teammate where he can step into a bigger role compared to Tampa Bay. Of course, former Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has also drawn increased speculation as an intriguing candidate for Washington.
As for the 2026 NFL Draft, the belief remains the same that it could be unlikely that Washington trades back from seventh due to lack of interest from other teams, leaving the front office to make a decision with the seventh overall pick and several options available.
That will leave Washington with, for now, several different scenarios as to who could be available with the seventh overall pick. Former Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey was the popular early pick once the focus shifted to the defense in the draft behind the Ohio State tandem - linebacker Sonny Styles and edge rusher Arvell Reese - stole the show as possible top five picks in April. Safety Caleb Downs remains a possibility, though he was reported as flagged with a potentially degenerative ACL during the NFL combine, which could impact his outlook in April as teams dig into his status ahead of the Buckeyes' Pro Day. But Matthew Berry noted an offensive weapon could be the play: Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Tate posted a 4.54 in the 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine where he's been viewed as a top ten candidate in April, which would ironically give the Commanders a second former Buckeye receiver. Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic noted that Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane are two returners who the coaching staff still likes, while reiterating that Washington is unlikely to return in 2026.
But maybe the most interesting nugget is that Berry added that veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin's time in DC may be coming to an end.
"The team will look to add to the wide receiver room with an emphasis on speed and don’t be surprised if 2026 is Terry McLaurin’s last year with the team," Berry wrote.
McLaurin will turn 31 at the start of the 2026 season and is less than one year removed from signing a three year, $97 million extension that dragged the entirety of the 2025 offseason. How that divorce materializes if it does is its own question, though offensive coordinator David Blough noted the emphasis on McLaurin's role after being announced this offseason. He also would account for an $18 million dead cap hit if the team opts to release him next offseason.
As for this offseason, Brandon Aiyuk drew headlines once again as a possibility for the Commanders during the NFL Combine after comments from general managers Adam Peters and John Lynch with a change in future clear, but the expectation is he cold return only on a "short term prove-it deal," a stark difference from the price tag that came with Deebo Samuel.