Brown most notably caught the game-winning Hail Mary to beat the Bears in Week 8 last season, but the veteran receiver was a reliable WR2 opposite Terry McLaurin before a rib injury ended his season. Brown caught 35 passes for 453 yards last season, but is already looking at a reduced role in 2025 with Deebo Samuel now in town. The Commanders adding any other receivers this offseason will only further threaten Brown’s chance at relevance this season, but for now, the Commanders return a reliable field stretcher who should add depth to a shallow receiver room. Brown can earn up to $4.5 million on his new deal.

Brown initially suffered an injury to his ribs that then developed into a lacerated kidney, prompting the move to injured reserve and ending his season. The team signed K.J. Osborn away from the Patriots earlier in the week but we shouldn’t expect him to make an immediate impact on the offense, likely leaving Dyami Brown and Luke McCaffrey to handle secondary pass-catching duties in the near term.

Brown, per Quinn, suffered internal injuries two weeks ago against the Titans and looks to be out indefinitely. Brown has positioned himself as the Commanders’ de facto WR2 behind Terry McLaurin. Brown’s absence could open up more targets for McLaurin, Zach Ertz, and Dyami Brown in the run-heavy Washington offense.

Brown dove toward the sidelines for an errant pass late in the third quarter and landed awkwardly on the ball. He remained on the ground for an extended period before getting up and leaving under his own power, but the team has deemed him questionable to return. With a quarter left in the game and the Commanders up by three possessions, it seems unlikely they would force Brown back into play even if he was well enough to give it a go. If his day is over, he would end the afternoon with three catches for 27 yards on four targets.