The Washington Commanders’ addition of Stefon Diggs gave their receiver room a much different look, and it also turned the back end of the depth chart into a real battleground. One name now standing out as a possible odd man out is Van Jefferson.
CBS recently pointed to Jefferson as a receiver Washington could cut, and the case is pretty straightforward. Jefferson was a key part of the Rams’ 2022 Super Bowl run, when he posted career bests in receptions with 50, receiving yards with 802 and touchdowns with 6.
At one point in Los Angeles, he was even the No. 1 receiver during a Cooper Kupp absence. But Puka Nacua’s rise changed that picture and pushed Jefferson out of that role.
Since then, Jefferson has bounced through part-time starting jobs with the Falcons, Steelers and Titans. CBS noted that he could fill a similar role in Washington, but the Commanders’ depth makes that path a tough one.
On Washington’s latest depth chart, Jefferson is listed behind Terry McLaurin, Diggs, Luke McCaffrey, Dyami Brown, Jaylin Lane and Treylon Burks. Every one of those players except Diggs has previous experience with the Commanders.
Washington also used a third-round pick on Clemson receiver Antonio Williams, who has impressed during training camp and the preseason. With that many names already in the mix, Jefferson is facing a crowded and unforgiving roster fight.
If the Commanders do move on from him, Jefferson’s track record suggests he would not stay available for long. He has consistently held an NFL roster spot throughout his career and has usually logged multiple starts each season, so there’s a good chance another team would come calling at some point.
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