Washington Commanders Work Out Former Clemson, UFL Wide Receiver

The Washington Commanders got a chance to evaluate an available wide receiver on Wednesday - and not either of the ones the team has been linked to for the bulk of the summer and beyond.

Former Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross worked out for the Commanders on Wednesday, per the UFL press release, giving the front office a chance to evaluate another former Tiger, yet this one is coming off a successful season in the UFL.

Ross, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound wideout, suited up for the Birmingham Stallions in 2026 where he notched 327 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns on 22 catches and nine games. The 26 year old free agent receiver also offers NFL experience having played two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023 and 2024, though ten of his 12 career appearances came in his first season with the organization. Through 12 games, Ross recorded 53 yards and a pair of first downs on six catches.

Yet the former blue-chip prospect was also viewed to be a one-time top NFL Draft prospect before struggling with injuries. After being named a Freshman All American after eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards and totaling nine touchdowns on 46 catches in 2018, Ross missed the entire COVID 2020 season due to a congenital neck injury and was limited in 2021, leading to the former four-star to materialize into an undrafted free agent. Ross was also placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List in October 2023 after being arrested, leading to a six-week suspension, before opening the 2024 regular season on the practice squad.

The need at wide receiver has been well documented all offseason with questions about the strength of the room aside of veteran Terry McLaurin, though Ross could be one to challenge for a roster spot at the end of the unit with undrafted free agent Jaden Bradley among the others fighting for a spot on the 2026 roster.

Meanwhile, Washington has shown signs of being content with its current wide receiver room as rookie Antonio Williams acclimates as a likely slot receiver within the offense, while McLaurin is expected to command a heavy share of the targets from quarterback Jayden Daniels. Washington has also pointed to tight end Chig Okonkwo's potential in the passing attack where the former Titans product arrives as an impact piece in the passing game. While head coach Dan Quinn has expressed confidence in a pair of wide receivers, all eyes turn to whether Ross becomes another piece to the solution.

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