Commanders must rebuild their biggest strength this offseason, and they’ll have multiple avenues to do so
The Commanders need to add more running backs this offseason, and they’ll have many options in the NFL Draft and free agency.
The Washington Commanders are headed into a critical offseason, where they’ll have to turn many weaknesses into strengths and fill roster holes.
They’ll also have to rebuild certain successful positions from last season in the process, and one was a big surprise. There were a lot of doubts about the Commanders’ running back room after trading Brian Robinson Jr. away before the season, but it turned into one of the strongest units on the team.
Now, they’ll have to rebuild the running back room and look to have the same production in 2026, and possibly swing on some bigger names.
The Commanders have to rebuild their running back room this offseason
The Commanders surprisingly had the fourth-best rushing offense last season, despite the injuries to Jayden Daniels and Austin Ekeler, and it was a true committee of production. They averaged 135 rushing yards per game and finished with 2,290 rushing yards on the season.
The backfield was led by rookie Bill Croskey-Merritt, who rushed for 805 yards on the season, and saw Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols contribute as well. The only downfall is that Croskey-Merritt is the only running back under contract for next season, and they’ll have to add new faces.
New offensive coordinator David Blough will be bringing in a new offense this offseason, so finding the right fits in the running game will be important. He already said that adding a running back this offseason will be important, and the rushing game will balance the passing attack.
They’ll have many opportunities to find their next running backs this offseason, and now they just have to pursue their top targets.
Who the Commanders could add at running back this offseason
The Commanders will be eyeing the top free agents of the offseason when the tampering window opens on March 9th, and they’ll have a handful of options. Reports say Kenneth Walker III could actually be hitting the market in free agency after winning the Super Bowl MVP, and he will get paid around $11-$13 million per year this offseason. Meanwhile, the New York Jets are exploring all options with RB Breece Hall, including using the franchise tag.
There will be a lot of underrated options for the Commanders to target as well, including Rico Dowdle, Rachaad White, Kenneth Gainwell, and Tyler Allgeier. The Dallas Cowboys paid Javonte Williams a three-year, $24 million deal before free agency, and his contract will set the expectations of the market.
The Commanders will also be in the running to take Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with the No. 7 overall pick, if he lasts that long. Love is not only the top RB prospect in a weak class, but he’s arguably the best prospect of the entire draft, regardless of position.
No matter where the Commanders decide to go this offseason, finding a running back who fits Blough’s scheme on offense will be crucial. They could hand Croskey-Merritt the keys as RB1 next season, or swing for a big name to join as a true duo.
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