David Blough drops a not-so-subtle hint at one key offseason roster addition for Commanders
Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough says the team will make running back acquisitions this offseason.
The Washington Commanders are starting a new era with David Blough taking over as the offensive coordinator and play-caller in 2026.
It was a bold move at the time, but the promotion of Blough has been praised around the league, and he has all the makings of a fast rising offensive minded coach. Now, Blough gets to install his new offense by going under center more and build around the strengths of Jayden Daniels.
The team still needs to add talent to the roster this offseason that fits Blough’s scheme, and he dropped a nugget in his first press conference about one position addition.
David Blough says the Commanders will make running back acquisitions this offseason
Blough was nothing but impressive in his first press conference with the team, and you can already tell he was ready for this opportunity. He talked a lot about what to expect on the field and what he wants the offense to look like, but he also talked about adding a running back this offseason when asked about Bill Croskey-Merritt.
“I think, as everybody saw, all the flashes that Bill [Croskey-Merritt] had in his rookie season,” Blough said. “I think it’s really exciting to think about what he can look like in a second year behind this offensive line. And I think we’ve got one running back signed, so there will definitely be acquisitions that take place there. And it depends exactly on the kind of how the room looks, but man, incredibly confident in what Bill can be in this league as a starting running back.”
Croskey-Merritt is the only running back under contract for 2026, with Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez, Jeremy McNichols, and Chase Edmonds all hitting free agency. The Commanders had the fourth-most rushing yards per game this season by a running back committee, but they didn’t have a legit RB1. This offseason, the Commanders will have multiple opportunities to pursue at the running back position.
The Commanders have plenty of options at running back this offseason
NFL free agency is just a month away now, and the Commanders have to make tough decisions with their own 32 free agents, but then also pursue outside options as well. The Commanders will likely retain one of their own running backs and look at other avenues for the next RB1. Blough will run a Ben Johnson-type offense, and we’ve seen the importance of a top running back in the offense, like Jahmyr Gibbs.
The Commanders have many free agent options with Rachaad White, Kenneth Walker III, Breece Hall, Travis Etienne, Rico Dowdle, and many others on the market. Jeremiyah Love will also be an enticing option with the No. 7 overall pick if the Commanders can fix the defense in free agency. Having a game-changing starting running back would take this offense to the next level, and Blough knows that as well.
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