The Washington Commanders seem to be standing pat at the running back position after extending two fringe players to go along with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. That would be a mistake in the grand scheme of things.
It's no secret that the ground game regressed over the second half of 2024 and into the playoffs. The offensive line couldn't generate enough push and those carrying the football lacked the explosiveness needed. Quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels' exceptional dual-threat helped mask these issues, but that's not a long-term recipe for success.
Daniels needs to pick and choose his spots rushing the football to minimize the risk of injury. He needs a strong running game to take the pressure off. Robinson and Ekeler formed a nice duo early on, but that shouldn't stop the Commanders from finding upgrades if the right opportunities present themselves.
That need seems less urgent. At least for now.
The Commanders placed an exclusive rights tender on Chris Rodriguez Jr. to prevent him from speaking with other teams in free agency. They also brought back Jeremy McNichols, who was the No. 3 option last year after deservedly earning his spot over camp.
Commanders must not ignore deep running back draft class despite recent extensions
This keeps continuity if nothing else. Rodriguez and McNichols are unlikely to break the bank either. Even so, it would be astonishing if Peters didn't add to the running back unit from what's projected as an exceptionally deep draft class.
Robinson, Ekeler, McNichols, and probably Rodriguez will all be in the final year of their respective deals next season. The Commanders must identify a game-breaking backfield threat that compliments what they have right now while also providing long-term upside. This is the cheapest, simplest solution to keep the team's offensive momentum going whether Kliff Kingsbury is still calling plays in 2026 or not.
There is a problem. The Commanders aren't exactly blessed with a huge draft bounty in 2025 after trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. They have five selections as things stand, although that could change if Peters finds a trade-down partner in the first or second rounds.
Value can be had further down the pecking order. The Commanders have other needs, but Peters is working his way through them thanks to new signings and contract extensions. Keeping McNichols and Rodriguez is a solid enough insurance policy, but that doesn't move the needle all that much.
Perhaps Peters is willing to ride it out with Robinson and Ekeler — together with McNichols and Rodriguez as complementary pieces — for another season. There is also a chance he could be hedging his bets if all he has to work with is five draft picks.
It'll be interesting to see what unfolds. Peters has the trust of Commanders fans and is moving with real purpose over the early stages of his second recruitment period. But ignoring this group of running backs emerging from the college ranks just because McNichols and Rodriguez are sticking around would be foolish.
