Which running back free agents fit the Washington Commanders?

The Washington Commanders' running back room is going to look bare once free agency begins. Jacory Croskey-Merritt will be the only back under contract, as Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez, and Jeremy McNichlos are all free agents. Offensive coordinator David Blough wasn't shy about the Commanders' expected activity at the position this offseason.

"I think we've got one running back signed, so there will definitely be acquisitions that take place there," he noted during his introductory press conference.

Lucky for them, this is a strong free agency class in the backfield, with players that can come in and fill the starter or backup role. While they likely won’t go after Kenneth Walker or Breece Hall, there’s still plenty of talented backs that can help the team in 2026. After taking a look at the quarterbacks and wide receiver options, we take a look at the available running backs this offseason:

Tyler Allgeier, 25

The Falcons took Allgeier in the fifth round of the 2022 Draft and proved to be a steal in his first year, rushing for over 1000 yards and finishing fifth in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. However, the Falcons took Bijan Robinson eighth overall in the following draft, dropping Allgeier to RB2. Despite only starting five games over the next three seasons, he still rushed for over 500 yards each year and had a career-high eight touchdowns in 2025. 

The only knock on Allgeier is his limited role in the passing game. However, he’ll still have a market as a former 1000-yard rusher that is still young enough to have at least a couple more seasons of decent production. With the state of the Commanders’ running back room going into the offseason, it’s a good spot for a back like Allgeier who wants more opportunities.

Rico Dowdle, 27

First things first, why didn’t Dallas hold onto Dowdle? After breaking out with the Cowboys in 2024, he proved he was not a one-year wonder in 2025. With Carolina, Dowdle filled in for an injured Chuda Hubbard, rushing for over 1000 yards, with over 30 catches for the second straight year, helping the Panthers claim a division title and nearly upsetting the Rams in the Wild Card game. 

With Hubbard expected to be 100% in 2026, Dowdle will look for a place where he can get the bulk of the carries. That could be a problem for the Commanders after that strong rookie season Croskey-Merritt had last year. He’s also a year older than Etienne, which brings up the question of how long he can continue to play at a high level. 

There’s one other thing to talk about with Dowble, and that would be his touchdowns. Despite rushing for over 1000 yards in back-to-back years, he’s only had eight touchdowns on the ground during that timeframe. 

Kenneth Gainwell, 26

After spending his first four years with the Eagles, Gainwell was named the Steelers’ MVP for the 2025 season. In the year he had over 1000 yards from scrimmage, with 537 on the ground and 486 through the air. He also led the team with 73 catches, with only one other teammate reaching 50.

Gainwell’s production in both the run and pass game makes him a top target for almost every team. For the Commanders, he would be a perfect complement to Jacory Croskey-Merritt, due to his production as a pass catcher, which Croskey-Merritt didn’t do much of in 2025. This would also give quarterback Jayden Daniels a safety net that is needed with the uncertainty of tight end Zach Ertz.

While it will be a battle for whoever wants the services of Gainwell, the Commanders need to be a part of it. Whichever team lands him will be getting a difference maker.

Breece Hall, 24

After four seasons with the Jets, Hall made clear that his future with the team was unclear during the 2025 season amid yet another disappointing season en route to a top five selection. But Hall is also coming off his first 1,000-yard season while he's amassed 250 catches for over 1,600 yards in New York. Reports on Thursday pointing to the Jets looking at the transition tag as a viable option for Hall, which makes his contract roughly $2 million cheaper than the franchise tag which gives the Jets the right to match any offer in free agency.

That complicates his status, but the fit is clear.

With a chance to step into a feature role in a more balanced, functional offense, Hall has been pointed to as a perfect fit in Washington with no shortage of suitors expected. Hall would be able to step into an expanded role with the Commanders with a need to establish a more consistent rushing attack in 2026, though he's also expected to materialize into one of the top running backs in free agency alongside Kenneth Walker.

Rachaad White, 27

All the talk this offseason has been on adding one of Jayden Daniels' teammates in 2026 - wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. But that one has baggage. What about another at a position of need?

White and Daniels overlapped for two seasons with the Sun Devils and after the 2025 season was over, White made a statement on social media.

What Tampa Bay does with White is unclear after Bucky Irving emerged as the clear RB1, though was limited to ten games in 2025 due to a foot injury. While some point to a reunion as unlikely, White showcased his versatility where finished with at least 50 catches in three of his four seasons in addition to a pair of 1,000 all-purpose yards.

There's a clear fit and chance for an expanded role for White in DC, in addition to the familiar face he's teased at being interested in playing with again.