The Washington Commanders have been busy this week, bolstering their roster with a mix of talent on both sides of the ball. They've added a trio of pass rushers, a versatile linebacker, a scrappy cornerback, a safety, a dynamic running back, and a physical tight end. Yet, there was still a glaring hole at wide receiver-until now.
On Friday, Washington addressed this need by bringing back Dyami Brown and signing veteran wideout Van Jefferson. Brown, a 2021 third-round pick, and Jefferson, a former second-round pick who has a Super Bowl ring with the L.A. Rams, bring valuable skills to the table.
While neither has consistently proven to be a solid No. 2 option behind Terry McLaurin, both receivers offer traits that the Commanders desperately need. Brown, at just 26, returns after a year with the Jaguars. During his initial stint in Washington, he showcased his ability to stretch the field, especially during the playoffs two seasons ago, where he led the team with 229 receiving yards.
Jefferson, who was drafted 57th overall in 2020, had his breakout moment in 2021 with the Rams, stepping up when injuries hit the team. He recorded 50 catches for 806 yards and six touchdowns that season, and even made an impact in the Super Bowl. However, his journey since then has seen him move through several teams, with varied production.
Despite the ups and downs, Jefferson's versatility and speed are exactly what Washington needs. He can play both inside and outside, offering flexibility to first-year offensive coordinator David Blough. His 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine is a testament to his speed and potential to stretch defenses.
These signings don't rule out further additions at wide receiver, especially with a draft class rich in talent. General Manager Adam Peters aims to strengthen the roster through free agency, allowing for a more strategic approach in the draft-selecting the best available talent rather than just filling gaps.
The Commanders still have work to do, needing more depth at running back, in the secondary, and across the board. While the rebuild is far from complete, the moves so far are setting an intriguing foundation for what's to come.