Could Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt be the Washington Commanders' go-to running back in 2026? It’s certainly a possibility worth exploring.
As the 2026 offseason kicked off, the buzz around the Commanders was all about finding a reliable workhorse in the backfield. There were whispers of them wanting a bruiser to carry the load, but that plan didn’t quite pan out. Instead, the Commanders have reshaped their running back room with some strategic signings.
Austin Ekeler, once a key piece, is on the mend from a torn Achilles. At this stage in his career, the Commanders are opting for a younger direction.
Enter Rachaad White, previously with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Commanders are likely eyeing White to fill Ekeler’s shoes as a versatile pass-catching threat on third downs.
Joining White is Jerome Ford from the Cleveland Browns. Ford, who will be 27 come September, brings a fresh set of legs with 340 carries in his NFL tenure.
He’s shown a knack for finding the end zone with seven touchdowns and boasts a solid 4.3 yards per carry. Over the last two seasons, Ford has racked up 813 yards in 2023 and 565 yards in 2024, showcasing his ability to grind out tough yards between the tackles.
Ford’s addition is a smart move, providing a reliable option to complement Croskey-Merritt and White.
Experience isn’t lacking with Ford, who has four seasons under his belt. Meanwhile, Jeremy McNichols returns on a one-year deal, bringing physicality and versatility in both third-down situations and special teams.
Looking ahead to the draft, the Commanders hold the 7th overall pick. If a standout running back is available, they might just pull the trigger to further bolster their backfield. Stay tuned as draft day approaches.
And let's not forget about Croskey-Merritt’s impressive rookie campaign. His performance on first downs was a highlight, achieving a 50.4% success rate-outshining the Rams' league-leading 45.7%.
This suggests that Croskey-Merritt has the potential to develop into a key contributor for the Commanders. So, while the backfield dynamics are still unfolding, don’t count out "Bill" just yet.