BAL BUF CIN CLE DEN HOU IND JAX KC LAC LV MIA NE NYJ PIT TEN
ARI ATL CAR CHI DAL DET GB LAR MIN NO NYG PHI SEA SF TB WAS
QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | Footballguys View | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Commanders | Emmanuel Forbes noticeably stronger Fri Jul 26, 03:48 PM
Updating a previous report, Washington Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes added 15 pounds to his frame during the offseason and is listed as 173 pounds, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
Link to story Commanders | Taylor Stallworth worked out Thu Jul 25, 07:00 PM
Free-agent DT Taylor Stallworth (Titans) worked out for the Washington Commanders Thursday, July 25.
Link to story Commanders | Jer'Zhan Newton limited for now Wed Jul 24, 06:11 PM
Washington Commanders DT Jer'Zhan Newton (foot) will be limited to individual drills for now but will participate in more still once he is in football shape, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
Link to story Commanders | Jer'Zhan Newton cleared Wed Jul 24, 01:11 PM
Washington Commanders DT Jer'Zhan Newton was activated from the active/non-football injury list on Wednesday, July 24.
Link to story Commanders | Efe Obada placed on NFI list Wed Jul 24, 01:10 PM
Washington Commanders DE Efe Obada (leg) was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list on Wednesday, July 24.
Link to storyEfe Obada player page
Commanders | Jer'Zhan Newton to NFI list Fri Jul 19, 10:44 AM
Washington Commanders DT Jer'Zhan Newton (foot) was placed on the non-football injury list Friday, July 19, after offseason foot surgery.
Link to story Commanders | Jason Wright on his way out of Washington Thu Jul 18, 02:23 PM
Washington Commanders team president Jason Wright announced he will no longer serve in that role - effective immediately - and assume the title of senior adviser while also maintaining his responsibilities as the team's de facto president. Wright's contract is set to expire in August and the expectation is that he will depart the organization by the end of the 2024 season.
Link to storyJason Wright player page
Commanders | Scott Fitterer hired by Commanders Mon Jul 15, 11:55 AM
Former Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer was hired by the Washington Commanders Monday, July 15, as a personnel executive.
Link to story Commanders | New Washington backfield dynamic after catch in 2023 Wed Jul 10, 03:33 AM
Washington Commanders RBs Brian Robinson Jr. (11.4) and Austin Ekeler (10.1) ranked first and second among qualified pass-catchers, respectively, in yards after catch per reception in 2023, according to Pro Football Reference.
| Footballguys view: Combined, for the Chargers and Commanders respectively, this combination received over 100 targets in 2023. We'll look for the same number of targets now that they're in the same backfield with most of those passes going to Ekeler. We could see Robinson getting around 35 catches this year with Ekeler getting around 55 catches in 2024. It's an exciting backfield with upside for Fantasy GMs (and playmaking ability for rookie QB Jayden Daniels). |
Austin Ekeler player page
Commanders | Forecasting Austin Ekeler's Workload Is Complicated Tue Jul 9, 02:37 PM
According to The Athletic's Ben Standig, it's too early to dub Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler a modern version of Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside, but that's how the setup appears. How much Ekeler eats into Robinson's usage depends on how the veteran, who has over 1,400 career touches, holds up physically.
| Footballguys view: The ex-Los Angeles Charger averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry last season following a Week 1 ankle injury. Ekeler offers Jayden Daniels a viable safety valve capable of turning a swing pass into a chain-moving reception. According to Standig, projecting eight to 12 touches per game seems fair for now. Anything close to his 2021 and 2022 production -- Ekeler led the league in touchdowns each season -- would be a massive bonus. If Ekeler comes even close to that, he'll have been a steal for those drafting him as RB40 in current Underdog drafts. Ekeler currently sits at RB21 on the Footballguys 2024 Draft Rankings. |
Austin Ekeler player page
Commanders | Brian Robinson Jr. Due For More Rushing TDs In Kinsbury's Offense Tue Jul 9, 02:37 PM
According to The Athletic's Ben Standig, Brian Robinson Jr. is due for more rushing touchdowns (seven in 27 career games). His new offensive coordinator's play-calling history suggests that should happen. Kliff Kingsbury's primary running backs with the Arizona Cardinals -- Kenyan Drake and James Conner -- combined for 40 rushing scores from 2019 to 2022, even with a touchdown vulture threat (Kyler Murray) similar to Washington rookie Jayden Daniels.
| Footballguys view: USA Today's Marcus Mosher sees it the same. "Robinson isn't that different from Conner," Mosher recently wrote. "But he is much more explosive and could post huge numbers in 2024. If Daniels can keep defenses honest with his arm and legs, that should open up more rushing lanes." SI.com notes there are many who view veteran running back addition Austin Ekeler a threat to Robinson's touch-share, and some even have him ahead of the younger ball-carrier on the depth chart, but those who cover the team locally don't have those same concerns or takes. |
Brian Robinson Jr player page
Commanders | Darrick Forrest Jr. back to old self Thu Jun 27, 10:05 PM
Washington Commanders S Darrick Forrest Jr. (shoulder) said he is refocused physically and mentally after recovering from shoulder surgery. 'I'm excited for this year,' Forrest said. 'I'm extremely excited. I really just want to go out there and play my brand of football.'
Link to story Commanders | Jordan Magee showed well in early workouts Wed Jun 26, 12:00 PM
Washington Commanders LB Jordan Magee - the team's fifth-round draft choice - impressed the team with his maturity and believe he will be very effective as a blitzer as well as in coverage. 'He doesn't carry himself like a rookieYou would not know that with the way he handles himself, the way he absorbs information. He doesn't [make] a lot of mistakes,' defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said.
| Footballguys view: Magee has been falling into the later rounds of deep IDP dynasty rookie drafts, but he may end up being one of the best linebackers in this class. The Commanders signed Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu in the offseason to help ease the pain of not picking up 2021 first round pick Jamin Davis's fifth year option, but it sounds like Magee could be a future green dot linebacker for Washington. |
Commanders | Jahan Dotson Working On Beating Press Coverage Tue Jun 25, 05:16 PM
On one rep early during the spring workouts, Jahan Dotson beat Mike Davis' press coverage for an impressive catch. Upon seeing it play out, fellow receiver Terry McLaurin couldn't contain his excitement, yelling out: "If you use your hands like that at the line, they can't stop you!" It's an area Dotson has worked on this offseason. His feet are good; his hands -- helping him escape press coverage -- needed to improve.
| Footballguys view: Dotson, drafted 16th overall in 2022, has caught a combined 84 passes with 11 touchdowns in his first two seasons. ESPN.com's John Keim notes that Washington needs a stronger second receiver alongside McLaurin. A key will be trying to incorporate Dotson's downfield skills more; rookie QB Jayden Daniels was considered an excellent deep ball passer in college. In 2022, Dotson gained 20 or more yards on 28.6% of his catches. Last year, that percentage fell to 10.2. His average air yards per target was 14.35 as a rookie compared to 9.25 last season. While a rebound isn't guaranteed, Dotson is available as WR64 in the 11th round of Underdog drafts. Taking a chance on a turnaround isn't cost-prohibitive. |
Commanders | Jayden Daniels impresses veteran WR Sun Jun 23, 06:33 PM
Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels has impressed WR Terry McLaurin during the offseason program with his confidence and command of the offense. 'It seemed like he knew the entire offense when we got there,' McLaurin said on Friday, June 21. 'He's in there calling the huddles through the walkthroughs. He's in there calling the plays, and he's extremely confident. It's a testament to his preparation and his studying that he did on his own. But also, I think the kid loves ball, and he has a good feel for the game.'
| Footballguys view: On Saturday, Ben Standig of the Athletic told us that Daniels has been everything the Commanders expected on the field and in the locker room. "It's been all positive so far," Standig said. "He's come in and impressed his coaches and fellow players with his work ethic." Standig added that Daniels' accuracy as a passer has been noteworthy and will benefit Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, adding to their yards after the catch totals. |
Commanders | Jartavius Martin expected to start Thu Jun 20, 02:49 PM
Washington Commanders S Jartavius Martin played a lot of nickel cornerback as a rookie in 2023, but he is expected to start alongside Jeremy Chinn at safety this season, according to Bryan Manning of Commanders Wire.
Link to storyJeremy Chinn player page
Commanders | Jayden Daniels looks poised to start Sun Jun 16, 09:22 AM
Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels appears to be 'entrenched' as the team's starting quarterback, in the opinion of Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports. He received the bulk of the snaps with the offensive starters during mandatory minicamp and it is unlikely this situation will change once training camp begins.
| Footballguys view: That doesn't mean Daniels is a finished product. But expect the Commanders to let him sort that out on the field. And when they do? Daniels threw 40 TD passes and four interceptions at LSU in his 2023 Heisman Trophy-winning season. He also rushed for 1,184 yards and 10 TDs. That rushing ability sets him apart, and it's why Daniels heads into training camp as QB11 on the Footballguys Draft Rankings. |
Commanders | Ben Sinnott inks rookie pact Sat Jun 15, 12:22 PM
Washington Commanders TE Ben Sinnott (Kansas State) signed a four-year contract on Friday, June 14. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Sinnott may not have an immediate fantasy impact if Zach Ertz is ready to be a starting tight end again, but the last two understudies to Ertz - Dallas Goedert and Trey McBride - appears to have benefited from playing with him. Sinnott could arrive as a top 10 fantasy tight end by the end of next season even though Kliff Kingsbury's offenses aren't known for featuring tight ends in the passing game. |
Commanders | Jayden Daniels under contract Sat Jun 15, 12:22 PM
Washington Commanders first-round draft choice QB Jayden Daniels (Louisiana State) signed a four-year contract worth $37.7 million - including a $24.3 million signing bonus - on Friday, June 14. The deal includes a fifth-year team option.
| Footballguys view: Daniels should start from day one and could be severely underrated in redraft leagues with all of the indications that new offensive coordinator is going to up the tempo and keep defenses on their toes. Daniels is going outside of the top 10 quarterbacks in early drafts but could easily finish in the top five if he stays healthy. |
Commanders | Brandon Coleman wraps up rookie deal Fri Jun 14, 04:24 PM
Washington commanders third-round draft choice OT Brandon Coleman (Texas Christian) signed a four-year contract on Friday, June 14. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Link to story Commanders | Dan Quinn not ready to name starting QB Thu Jun 13, 01:03 PM
Washington Commanders QBs Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota each saw significant snaps with the first team during the spring and nothing has been determined yet in regards to which one will start the season, according to head coach Dan Quinn on Thursday, June 13.
| Footballguys view: Quinn may not be ready, but that's just coach speak. It's likely to be no.2 overall pick Jayden Daniels. He's a dazzling player who can make an instant impact in this league. Mariota is a nice veteran backup, but he lacks the upside that Daniels provides from day one. |
Marcus Mariota player page
Commanders | Jayden Daniels on field with starters Thu Jun 13, 12:39 AM
Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels worked with the first-team offense during team drills at practice Tuesday, June 12, according to ESPN.com's John Keim.
Link to story Commanders | Frankie Luvu sits out Wednesday Wed Jun 12, 05:44 PM
Washington Commanders LB Frankie Luvu (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Wednesday, June 12, because of a minor injury.
Link to storyFrankie Luvu player page
Commanders | Jer'Zhan Newton signs contract Wed Jun 12, 04:18 PM
Washington Commanders second-round draft choice DT Jer'Zhan Newton signed a four-year contract with the Commanders Wednesday, June 12, worth $9.757 million.
Link to story Commanders | Lucas Havrisik trying out Wed Jun 12, 01:37 PM
Free-agent PK Lucas Havrisik (Browns) is participating in the Washington Commanders minicamp this week on a tryout basis.
| Footballguys view: Havrisik was adequate at best making 15-of-20 field goal attempts for the Rams last year in nine games, but the Commanders want to bring in competition for Ramiz Ahmed after signing him last week. Ahmed is the only kicker on the roster following Brandon McManus release in the wake of sexual assault allegations. |
Commanders | Jer'Zhan Newton may miss start of camp Tue Jun 11, 08:36 PM
Washington Commanders DT Jer'Zhan Newton (foot) is on schedule with his recovery from foot surgery, but his availability for the start of training camp is uncertain at this time, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
Link to story Commanders | Matthew McCrane worked out Tue Jun 11, 06:31 PM
Free-agent PK Matthew McCrane (Eagles) worked out for the Washington Commanders Tuesday, June 11, according to NFL Network's Bridget Condon.
Link to story Commanders | Mike Sainristil signs rookie pact Tue Jun 11, 03:23 PM
Washington Commanders second-round draft choice CB Mike Sainristil (Michigan) signed a four-year contract on Tuesday, June 11. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Link to story Commanders | Washington taking a look at two kickers Tue Jun 11, 01:42 PM
Free-agent PKs Jake Bates (UFL) and Andre Szmyt (UFL) were among a group of free-agent kickers who tried out for the Washington Commanders on Tuesday, June 11.
Link to story Commanders | Austin Ekeler Returning Kicks Tue Jun 11, 09:44 AM
Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler was spotted returning kicks at minicamp Tuesday, June 11.
| Footballguys view: It's one minicamp practice session, so let's not read too much into the return role. While the recent rule change elevating the importance of kickoff returns could lead to more prominent players handling that role, Ekeler is slated to operate in tandem at running back with Brian Robinson Jr. to help ease the offensive workload on rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Robinson (RB33) is going slightly ahead of Ekeler (RB38) in current Underdog drafts, so it's worth noting that Ekeler (RB19) is well ahead of Robinson (RB37) on the Footballguys Draft Rankings. Don't be surprised if both sets of numbers change as we gain clarity on the backfield roles in the coming weeks. |
Austin Ekeler player page
Commanders | Contract details for Ramiz Ahmed Fri Jun 7, 12:44 AM
Washington Commanders PK Ramiz Ahmed was signed to a one-year deal with a base salary of $795,000.
Link to story Commanders | Washington adds Ramiz Ahmed Tue Jun 4, 03:15 PM
Free-agent PK Ramiz Ahmed (UFL) signed an undisclosed contract with the Washington Commanders on Tuesday, June 4.
| Footballguys view: The Commanders needed a kicker after cutting Brandon McManus on Sunday. Ahmed spent part of the 2024 spring season with the Birmingham Stallions after Chris Blewitt was injured. Ahmed went 10-for-13, including 4-for-7 from beyond 40 yards. He holds the record for the longest field goal in USFL history with a 61-yarder after playing for both the Pittsburgh Maulers and New Jersey Generals. He has never attempted an NFL field goal or PAT but did handle kickoffs in one game for the Packers. |
Commanders | Brandon McManus let go Sun Jun 2, 07:48 PM
Washington Commanders PK Brandon McManus was released on Sunday, June 2. The move comes in the wake of sexual assault allegations against the kicker.
| Footballguys view: Washington had signed McManus to a one-year, $3.6 million deal this offseason, opting not to re-sign Joey Slye, who joined the Patriots. The Commanders will be in the market for a new kicker. |
Brandon McManus player page
Commanders | PK Brandon McManus Being Sued For Alleged Sexual Assault Last Year Mon May 27, 05:01 PM
Two women are suing kicker Brandon McManus and the Jacksonville Jaguars, alleging that McManus sexually assaulted them during the team's overseas flight to London last year, according to court documents obtained by ESPN. They're seeking in excess of $1 million and are demanding a jury trial.
| Footballguys view: McManus signed with the Jaguars last May after he was released by the Denver Broncos. Jacksonville gave him a one-year contract worth $2 million, and he made 30 of 37 field goal attempts and all 35 of his extra-point attempts last season. The team did not re-sign him this offseason; he signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Commanders on March 14. The Commander issued the following statement: "Earlier today, we were made aware of the civil lawsuit filed on May 24 against Brandon McManus. We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter. We have been in communication with the League Office and Brandon's representation, and will reserve further comment at this time." Stay tuned. This incident could lead to league discipline. |
Brandon McManus player page
Commanders | Chris Rodriguez Jr. locked into role Sat May 25, 03:52 AM
Washington Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. is the No. 3 running back in Washington and the 'clear early-down backup' to RB Brian Robinson Jr., according to Ben Standig of The Athletic.
| Footballguys view: That makes a lot of sense. Rodriguez is a powerful player who can live between the tackles. The Commanders have Robinson to punish defenses, and Austin Ekeler can serve as a three-down starter. We'll see how these backfield touches are split when training camp and the preseason get here. |
Commanders | WAS to run without huddle more Thu May 23, 10:05 AM
Washington Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. said the team plans to run more no-huddle plays in the offense in 2024.
| Footballguys view: Jayden Daniels will have a lot of his plate as a rookie starter. This will add more, but perhaps creating the advantage of tiring out the defense as it has to play 11-on-11 football and guard against the deep ball. We'll be listening for more about this development in training camp. |
Commanders | Washington hires David Blackburn Thu May 23, 12:22 AM
The Washington Commanders hired Baltimore Ravens director of college scouting David Blackburn to be their new director of player personnel on Wednesday, May 22.
| Footballguys view: The Ravens have now had eight members of their coaching staff and front office hired away after making it to the AFC Championship last year. Baltimore Director of Player Personnel Joe Horitz was hired away by Jim Harbaugh to be his general manager with the Chargers, and it was thought that Blackburn could move up in the organization. In fact, he sat in Hortiz's old seat next to Ravens GM Eric DeCosta during the draft. Instead, he'll have Horitz's old job title with Washington under new GM Adam Peters. |
Commanders | Damiere Byrd inks deal with Washington Thu May 16, 02:21 PM
Free-agent WR Damiere Byrd (Texans) officially signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders on Thursday, May 16. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Link to storyDamiere Byrd player page
Commanders | Damiere Byrd joining Washington Thu May 16, 01:01 PM
Free-agent WR Damiere Byrd (Falcons) agreed to terms with the Washington Commanders Wednesday, May 15, according to a source. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Byrd was with Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury in 2019 when Kingsbury was the head coach of the Cardinals. He'll compete with Jamison Crowder, Dax Milne, and Olamide Zaccheaus for a spot at the bottom of the Washington wide receiver depth chart. |
Damiere Byrd player page
Commanders | Damiere Byrd works out for WAS Wed May 15, 02:13 PM
Free-agent WR Damiere Byrd (Falcons) is working out for the Washington Commanders on Wednesday, May 15, per sources.
| Footballguys view: Byrd was signed to the Texans' practice squad earlier this year, but he was not offered a futures contract. Undrafted out of South Carolina in 2015, Byrd is a seasoned veteran who can still fly down the field. The Commanders are likely to have an explosive offense with rookie QB Jayden Daniels leading the way. If added, Byrd would compete for a reserve role and special teams duty. |
Damiere Byrd player page
Commanders | Washington to work out Martavis Bryant Wed May 15, 12:46 AM
Free-agent WR Martavis Bryant (Cowboys) is scheduled to work out for the Washington Commanders Wednesday, May 15, according to a source.
| Footballguys view: Bryant is trying to make a comeback in the NFL after not playing a regular season snap since 2018. The Commanders are looking at other veteran receivers (Damiere Byrd) who can stretch the field. We'll see if they make a move at the position before minicamp and OTAs or training camp. |
Martavis Bryant player page
Commanders | Jer'Zhan Newton undergoes surgery Tue May 14, 05:42 PM
Washington Commanders DT Jer'Zhan Newton (foot) underwent surgery Monday, May 13, to repair a Jones fracture in his foot, according to sources.
Link to story Commanders | Jake Fromm let go Tue May 14, 02:10 PM
Washington Commanders QB Jake Fromm was released on Tuesday, May 14.
| Footballguys view: As Profootballtalk.com suggested, the move comes as no surprise. The Commanders already had veteran backup quarterbacks Marcus Mariota and Jeff Driskel on the roster. They also drafted Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick, then gave undrafted rookie quarterback Sam Hartman a $245,000 guarantee giving him a great shot at making the final roster. Fromm was fifth on the depth chart, and few teams carry five quarterbacks, even on a 90-player roster. |
Jake Fromm player page
Commanders | Jer'Zhan Newton dealing with Jones fracture Sun May 12, 09:50 AM
Updating a previous report, Washington Commanders DT Jer'Zhan Newton (foot) will undergo surgery during the upcoming week to repair a partial Jones fracture in his left foot. It is the same type of injury that he sustained in college at Illinois, although the previous issue was with his right foot.
Link to story Commanders | Johnny Newton needs surgery Sat May 11, 05:39 PM
Washington Commanders DT Jer'Zhan Newton (foot) needs surgery to repair a foot injury, according to sources Saturday, May 11. A timeline for return was not provided.
Link to story Commanders | Jer'Zhan Newton may need procedure Sat May 11, 01:34 PM
Updating a previous report, Washington Commanders DT Jer'Zhan Newton's (foot) foot injury is not in the one that was surgically repaired, but he may need a procedure to correct it, head coach Dan Quinn said on Saturday, May 11.
| Footballguys view: Newton was a borderline first round pick and the Commanders took him with the fourth pick of the second round. This sounds like an issue that could affect him into training camp, which could derail his chances of making a big impact in year one. The good news for Washington is that they already have the best defensive tackle combination in the league, so Newton isn't essential in their 2024 plans. |
Commanders | Four rookies sign contracts Sat May 11, 09:54 AM
Washington Commanders third-round draft choice WR Luke McCaffrey, fifth-round draft choice LB Jordan Magee, fifth-round draft choice S Dominique Hampton, and seventh-round draft choice DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste signed four-year contracts with the Commanders Friday, May 10. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: McCaffrey is Christian's little brother and Ed's son. Those bloodlines matter in the NFL, but so does his outstanding all-around athletic profile from the combine. He originally came to college as a quarterback, so the Commanders must believe that there's extra upside in McCaffrey's outlook. Don't expect a big splash this year, but if 2022 first round pick Jahan Dotson doesn't click with a new regime, McCaffrey could be an important target for #2 overall pick Jayden Daniels in a year or two. |
Commanders | Jer'Zhan Newton misses practice Fri May 10, 08:19 PM
Washington Commanders DT Jer'Zhan Newton (foot) did not participate in practice Friday, May 10, and was wearing a walking boot on his left foot.
Link to story Commanders | No set time for Jayden Daniels to start Thu May 9, 12:52 AM
Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels said he has not been told if he will start right away, but the team said he will be the starter when he is ready.
| Footballguys view: Daniels enters the league with huge upside, and he should be able to start right away. Commanders' OC Kliff Kingsbury should craft a system that gets the explosive plays from Daniels that were commonplace during his time at LSU. That means downfield passing and using his legs to attack defenses as a runner. |
Commanders | Washington parts with three Tue May 7, 04:51 PM
Washington Commanders LB Brandon Bouyer-Randle, DB D'Angelo Mandell and DT Joshua Pryor were waived on Tuesday, May 7.
Link to story