The Washington Commanders have been on the front foot in free agency, adding quality players in Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil. But that isn't all general manager Adam Peters has done.
He managed to re-sign Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz, both key players in bringing Dan Quinn's vision to life.
But part of roster building, and particularly one with Super Bowl aspirations, is not only keeping ahold of your star players but also having key depth pieces on the roster.
For Washington, one such player is running back Jeremy McNichols, who re-signed on a one-year deal. Part of a running back room that was one of the best in football last season, McNichols returns to the Commanders hoping to again impact in a positive way.
And for ESPN, the Commanders have zero risk in bringing Jeremy back.
"None," ESPN writes. "McNichols provided good relief, and Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury showed he knew how to use him -- and when. The risk would be if Washington failed to select another running back in a draft deep with them. They need someone who can provide more dynamic play if possible. But they know what they have in McNichols, and he fits the mindset of this coaching staff."
With Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler as the top two backs for Kliff Kingsbury, McNichols was used sparingly last season. Still, when he was given ample opportunities, he showed his worth.
He managed rushing yards of 68 and 44 with two touchdowns in back-to-back weeks from 15 combined carries. Jeremy also had 42, 20, 22, and 32 yards in four other games to help ease the load on Robinson and Ekeler.
No, it isn't a flashy signing, but having a veteran pro who can come in and do a job is just as important as retaining the stars on the roster.
Because it doesn't just take the starters to win a Super Bowl, it takes the whole roster, and in McNichols, Washington has a running back who can provide when called upon.
