Commanders Re-Sign Veteran Wide Receiver to Practice Squad

The Washington Commanders are bringing another familiar name back to the roster.

Reports broke on Monday morning that veteran wide receiver Van Jefferson is re-signing with the Commanders practice squad to begin the 2026 regular season. The 30 year old now gives Washington additional depth along the practice squad, joining undrafted rookie free agent Jaden Bradley as the second receiver expected. Ben Standig later reported that tight end Joshua Simon was released from the practice squad to make room for Jefferson as the veteran also returns after being among the final roster cuts following preseason.

With the team announcing over 40 inactives for the preseason finale vs. Baltimore, Jefferson and Luke McCaffrey were the notable wide receivers who remained active as they were viewed to battling for the seventh and final spot in the wide receiver room. McCaffrey's ability to help on special teams added to his resume after putting together encouraging moments in training camp, but for now, Jefferson will have an opportunity to add to the unit's depth in practice.

Jefferson arrived in Washington during the opening days of free agency as one of two initial additions to the unit alongside Dyami Brown. The front office also used their lone day two draft pick on former Clemson star Antonio Williams before signing veteran Stefon Diggs last month to round out the 2026 wide receiver room that has been under the microscope nearly all offseason.

The veteran totaled 48 yards and two first downs on four catches and six targets through his three preseason games.

Jefferson arrived in Washington after spending the 2025 season with the Tennessee Titans where he logged 29 catches for 350 yards and one touchdown. He spent the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and logged under 300 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 24 catches and 40 targets, while the 2023 season ended with the Atlanta Falcons where he tallied 101 receiving yards on 12 catches and 28 targets across 12 games.

He made a name for himself after spending three full seasons with the Los Angeles Rams before being traded to Atlanta, totaling one yard shy of 1,500 receiving yards and ten touchdowns during his tenure.

Meanwhile, the Commanders are set to open the 2026 regular season this weekend when they make the short trip north to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the first of two consecutive divisional road games. Kickoff is set for 4:25 PM ET on FOX.