Jayden Daniels is starting to make his voice heard in Washington - and not just in the huddle.
As the Commanders head into a pivotal offseason, their young quarterback isn’t sitting back quietly. Daniels is stepping into more of a leadership role, especially when it comes to shaping the offense under new coordinator David Blough. He’s reportedly been vocal about what he wants to see from the unit, and that includes who he wants lining up alongside him.
While the Commanders’ front office - led by GM Adam Peters - has plenty of work to do on the defensive side after a rough 2025 campaign, there's no question that building the right support system around Daniels is just as important. And if Daniels has his way, that support could include some familiar faces.
The buzz around a potential reunion with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has already caught fire. Aiyuk, a former teammate of Daniels at Arizona State and a close friend, could become available if the 49ers decide to move on. But there’s another name from Daniels’ Sun Devil days that’s flying under the radar - and it might make just as much sense, if not more.
Rachaad White: A Familiar Face, A Perfect Fit
Enter Rachaad White. The dual-threat running back, who shared the field with Daniels in college, is set to hit free agency after wrapping up his rookie contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And while Aiyuk brings flash and highlight-reel plays, White brings something Washington might need even more - versatility, production, and familiarity with their quarterback.
White quietly put together a strong season in Year 2, topping 1,500 yards from scrimmage. He’s a legitimate dual-threat option - dangerous between the tackles and even more dangerous in space. Whether it’s catching passes out of the backfield or grinding out tough yards, he’s the kind of back that can keep defenses honest and help a young quarterback settle in.
For Daniels, having a back he already knows and trusts could be a game-changer. Chemistry matters, especially for a quarterback still finding his footing in the NFL. And for a Commanders offense that lacked consistency in 2025, adding a player like White could provide some much-needed balance.
A Backfield in Need of a Boost
Washington’s current running back room has some intriguing pieces, but no clear-cut feature back. Seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt showed flashes last season, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. could return on an exclusive rights tender.
Jeremy McNichols adds value on special teams and could be brought back on a short-term deal. But none of them offer the complete package that White brings.
If the Commanders want to take a real step forward offensively, they’ll need more than just flashes - they’ll need reliability and production. White could be that guy.
Of course, it won’t come cheap. According to Spotrac, White is projected to command a two-year deal worth around $15.18 million - roughly $7.59 million per season.
That’s a real investment, especially at a position where second contracts often come with risk. But at 27, White still has tread on the tires, and his skill set could be a perfect fit in Blough’s system.
It would also mark a shift in strategy for Peters, who leaned heavily on short-term veteran deals last offseason - a strategy that didn’t exactly pan out. Committing to a younger, ascending player like White would signal a different kind of approach: one focused on building around a franchise quarterback with long-term pieces.
Will the Stars Align?
There’s no doubt White will draw interest if Tampa Bay lets him walk. Productive, versatile backs don’t stay on the market long. But Washington might have a built-in edge - the Daniels connection.
If Daniels is indeed pushing for White behind the scenes, and if Peters is willing to invest in a player who fits both the scheme and the quarterback’s comfort zone, this could be a reunion that makes a lot of sense for both sides.
The Commanders are in the early stages of a rebuild, but they’ve got their quarterback. Now it’s about giving him the tools to succeed. Bringing in Rachaad White wouldn’t just be about nostalgia - it would be about building a backfield that can help Washington turn the page on a disappointing 2025 and start writing a new chapter in 2026.