Over the Commanders final 11 games in 2024, including the playoffs, their running backs averaged three yards per carry or less six times. So, there is a need for the club to add someone who could create more yards on the ground outside of quarterback Jayden Daniels. Drafting such a player could also provide a long-term solution due to the fact that current running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are both in the final years of their contracts.

A new (first stint) parenthetical opens up in Johnson’s Wikipedia. Johnson embarks on his age-39 season as the clear No. 3 quarterback in Washington behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. Johnson started three games for the Commanders in 2018 and completed 2-of-3 passes for 17 yards for the Ravens last season as Lamar Jackson’s backup. Signing with a different team would have been better for his Immaculate Grid usefulness, but the NFL’s ultimate journeyman should get a chance to crack the 53-man roster for the Commanders.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss was the first to report the move. The former Patriots wide receiver is reportedly joining the team as a personnel analyst but had worked as a receivers coach for the 49ers (2019-2021) and most recently with the Dolphins (2022-2024). Welker’s familiarity with GM Adam Peters and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury likely played a role in the move and gives Welker a chance to expand his resumé as a coach/front office member.

McLaurin turned in one of the best years of his career in his first season with Jayden Daniels at the helm. The veteran receiver caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns after never surpassing more than seven scores in his previous five seasons. McLaurin has one year left on the three-year extension he signed in 2022 and will turn 30 shortly after the start of next season. He has plenty left in the tank and is again expected to serve as the Commanders’ WR1 despite the team acquiring Deebo Samuel this offseason. He’ll make for a high-upside WR2 for those taking shots on him in fantasy drafts next season.