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Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey appeared to be on the verge of a successful sophomore season in 2025. The 2024 third-round pick took over as Washington's primary kickoff returner earlier in the season, averaging 30 yards per return, which was among the best in the NFL.
McCaffrey was progressing as a receiver, too, catching three touchdowns and averaging almost 19 yards per reception before breaking his collarbone in a Week 9 loss against Seattle. McCaffrey caught 11 passes for 203 yards in nine games. While the numbers weren't gaudy, McCaffrey looked much more comfortable than he ever did as a rookie.
McCaffrey's injury was one of many suffered by the Commanders in a lost season.
Now, McCaffrey is preparing to begin his third NFL season, and he understands this is a critical year. All offseason, the talk has centered around Washington's inability to find a legitimate No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. The Commanders tried to land Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs before bringing back Dyami Brown and signing veteran Van Jefferson. Additionally, Washington spent a third-round pick on Antonio Williams and re-signed Treylon Burks.
What about McCaffrey?
McCaffrey is back, along with 2024 fourth-round pick Jaylin Lane, but the competition for snaps will be stiff in 2026. While the Commanders continue to be linked to Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs, there's no doubt the receiver position is much deeper now than it was one year ago.
McCaffrey's father, Ed, a 13-year NFL veteran and three-time Super Bowl champion, says Luke knows the challenge in front of him.
"I know Luke is working really hard to be the best player he can be," Ed McCaffrey told Kyle Odegard of Casino.org. It’s very competitive and there is a lot of talent on that roster. Luke knows that. He’s the son of an NFL player. His brothers play and coach in the NFL. He knows he has to go out and earn it. No one gives you anything in this league."
Ed McCaffrey says his son is doing everything right to earn more playing time in 2026.
"I can say he looked in great shape last time I saw him. He looked stronger than a year ago. He looks faster and more explosive. He’s giving himself the best chance to get on the field and compete for the Commanders."
The Commanders need McCaffrey. They don't necessarily need him to be McLaurin's equal, but he has solid size and speed, and proved last season he could beat defenders deep. He could compete with Williams for snaps in the slot this summer in training camp.
That play gave everyone a glimpse of McCaffrey's potential. The good news is that Daniels and McCaffrey are fully healthy now and working together throughout this offseason. Washington hopes that the offseason work translates into a successful 2026.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Ed McCaffrey sees big things for Luke in 2026
Continue reading...
McCaffrey was progressing as a receiver, too, catching three touchdowns and averaging almost 19 yards per reception before breaking his collarbone in a Week 9 loss against Seattle. McCaffrey caught 11 passes for 203 yards in nine games. While the numbers weren't gaudy, McCaffrey looked much more comfortable than he ever did as a rookie.
McCaffrey's injury was one of many suffered by the Commanders in a lost season.
Now, McCaffrey is preparing to begin his third NFL season, and he understands this is a critical year. All offseason, the talk has centered around Washington's inability to find a legitimate No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. The Commanders tried to land Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs before bringing back Dyami Brown and signing veteran Van Jefferson. Additionally, Washington spent a third-round pick on Antonio Williams and re-signed Treylon Burks.
What about McCaffrey?
McCaffrey is back, along with 2024 fourth-round pick Jaylin Lane, but the competition for snaps will be stiff in 2026. While the Commanders continue to be linked to Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs, there's no doubt the receiver position is much deeper now than it was one year ago.
McCaffrey's father, Ed, a 13-year NFL veteran and three-time Super Bowl champion, says Luke knows the challenge in front of him.
"I know Luke is working really hard to be the best player he can be," Ed McCaffrey told Kyle Odegard of Casino.org. It’s very competitive and there is a lot of talent on that roster. Luke knows that. He’s the son of an NFL player. His brothers play and coach in the NFL. He knows he has to go out and earn it. No one gives you anything in this league."
Ed McCaffrey says his son is doing everything right to earn more playing time in 2026.
"I can say he looked in great shape last time I saw him. He looked stronger than a year ago. He looks faster and more explosive. He’s giving himself the best chance to get on the field and compete for the Commanders."
The Commanders need McCaffrey. They don't necessarily need him to be McLaurin's equal, but he has solid size and speed, and proved last season he could beat defenders deep. He could compete with Williams for snaps in the slot this summer in training camp.
That play gave everyone a glimpse of McCaffrey's potential. The good news is that Daniels and McCaffrey are fully healthy now and working together throughout this offseason. Washington hopes that the offseason work translates into a successful 2026.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Ed McCaffrey sees big things for Luke in 2026
Continue reading...
