The Washington Commanders lost a couple of important running backs during the offseason, leaving a void in a backfield that needed reliable depth.

Washington moved quickly to address the issue, signing Rachaad White to a one-year, $2 million deal back in March. That modest price tag looks like a potential steal based on what White has shown during OTAs and minicamp, where he’s been labeled the Commanders’ biggest surprise of the offseason so far.

Washington signed White this offseason to fortify its depth and provide a pass-catching threat out of the backfield. It’s not as if he was an unknown — indeed, three years ago, he had 1,539 yards from scrimmage for Tampa Bay. But White looked spry and showed his speed while catching passes out of the backfield this spring. A lot remains to be seen — how will he look running the ball? — but his pass catching will help

White’s resume speaks for itself. He’s compiled over 2,600 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns throughout his career, adding more than 1,400 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns on top of that. His best season came in 2023, when he racked up 990 rushing yards, six touchdowns, 549 receiving yards, and three more scores. That dual-threat production from a running back making barely above the veteran minimum is the kind of value that can reshape an offense.

White’s pass blocking sets him apart

The rushing and receiving numbers grab attention, but White’s most underrated skill might be his pass blocking. He’s one of the better pass-blocking running backs in the league, and that trait should provide a significant lift for quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Commanders offense in 2026. A running back who can pick up blitzes and hold up in protection doesn’t have to leave the field on passing downs, which keeps the defense guessing and gives the quarterback more options.

That’s what makes White such a valuable addition. He’s an all-around running back who doesn’t need to come off the field for any specific reason. He’s big-bodied, physical, and runs with violence, which fits the style Washington wants to play on offense.

How White fits alongside the rest of the backfield

White’s skill set complements the rest of the Commanders’ running back room well. He pairs nicely with Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who profiles as more of a one-cut, home-run threat. White also mixes in effectively alongside Jeremy McNichols’/Kaytron Allen’s physicality and Jerome Ford’s pass-catching ability, giving the coaching staff a versatile rotation with different looks for opposing defenses.

Dan Quinn specifically praised White on the last day of mandatory minicamp, which tells you everything you need to know about the impression he’s made. Quinn isn’t one to hand out praise without reason, and the fact that White has turned heads to this degree on a one-year deal is a strong sign for his role heading into the regular season.

“Rachaad White was one, I thought, you know, jumped out,” Quinn told reporters. “I thought he brought some things on the, you know, the catching and receiving phase of things to see.”

Why this matters for the Commanders’ 2026 outlook

If Washington can squeeze RB1-level production out of a running back making $2 million, that’s an absolute win for the organization.

The early returns from the offseason program are encouraging, and White has done enough to earn that biggest-surprise label. The Commanders needed someone to fill the gap left by their offseason departures, and White looks like the kind of player who can do exactly that.