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Who will lead the Washington Commanders in carries in 2026? Almost everyone assumes it will be second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and rightfully so. A seventh-round pick in 2025, Croskey-Merritt led the Commanders with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in a part-time role as a rookie.
This offseason, Croskey-Merritt has added size to take on an even bigger role in 2026. He is one of only two running backs to return from last season, joining veteran Jeremy McNichols. The Commanders added two free-agent backs, one via the 2026 NFL Draft, and another undrafted free agent. Of those newcomers, it's Rachaad White who is standing out the most.
We recently mentioned White as a player who could prove to be Washington's most underrated free-agent signing. After spending his first four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, White signed a one-year deal with Washington in March. It reunited him with his former college teammate and friend, quarterback Jayden Daniels.
But the Commanders didn't sign White as a favor to Daniels. With Austin Ekeler no longer on the roster, Washington needed someone who could catch passes out of the backfield and also stand out in pass protection. White can do both and more. In fact, this offseason, White has routinely been mentioned as a standout, even earning praise from head coach Dan Quinn last week.
"I thought, you know, a few of the new guys who had exceptional offseasons, Rachaad White was one I thought, you know, jumped out," Quinn said.
ESPN recently named one surprise player for all 32 NFL teams this offseason. For the Commanders, John Keim named White.
The Commanders were extremely busy in free agency, agreeing to multi-year deals with several players. They only signed White to a one-year deal, and he could prove to be a bargain. While Ekeler was known as one of the NFL's best pass-catching backs, White has 205 career receptions and 11 receiving touchdowns in four seasons. He also has rushed for 2,656 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Barring injury, Croskey-Merritt should still lead the Commanders in rushing in 2026. However, don't be surprised if White plays a significant role in the offense. Remember, new offensive coordinator David Blough plans to run an offense similar to what Ben Johnson ran in Detroit. Johnson used two running backs frequently. He's continued that trend in Chicago.
So, while White was an offseason surprise, he won't be surprising anyone come September.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Rachaad White named most surprising player
Continue reading...
This offseason, Croskey-Merritt has added size to take on an even bigger role in 2026. He is one of only two running backs to return from last season, joining veteran Jeremy McNichols. The Commanders added two free-agent backs, one via the 2026 NFL Draft, and another undrafted free agent. Of those newcomers, it's Rachaad White who is standing out the most.
We recently mentioned White as a player who could prove to be Washington's most underrated free-agent signing. After spending his first four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, White signed a one-year deal with Washington in March. It reunited him with his former college teammate and friend, quarterback Jayden Daniels.
But the Commanders didn't sign White as a favor to Daniels. With Austin Ekeler no longer on the roster, Washington needed someone who could catch passes out of the backfield and also stand out in pass protection. White can do both and more. In fact, this offseason, White has routinely been mentioned as a standout, even earning praise from head coach Dan Quinn last week.
"I thought, you know, a few of the new guys who had exceptional offseasons, Rachaad White was one I thought, you know, jumped out," Quinn said.
ESPN recently named one surprise player for all 32 NFL teams this offseason. For the Commanders, John Keim named White.
The Commanders were extremely busy in free agency, agreeing to multi-year deals with several players. They only signed White to a one-year deal, and he could prove to be a bargain. While Ekeler was known as one of the NFL's best pass-catching backs, White has 205 career receptions and 11 receiving touchdowns in four seasons. He also has rushed for 2,656 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Barring injury, Croskey-Merritt should still lead the Commanders in rushing in 2026. However, don't be surprised if White plays a significant role in the offense. Remember, new offensive coordinator David Blough plans to run an offense similar to what Ben Johnson ran in Detroit. Johnson used two running backs frequently. He's continued that trend in Chicago.
So, while White was an offseason surprise, he won't be surprising anyone come September.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Rachaad White named most surprising player
Continue reading...
