New Commanders RB could have significant role in 2026

The Washington Commanders were linked to Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love throughout the offseason. Even when it was apparent that Love would not make it to the washington-commanders/363" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Commanders at No. 7 in the 2026 NFL Draft, analysts loved his fit with Washington and quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Before the draft, the Commanders were linked to Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker in free agency. Walker quickly signed with the Chiefs, and the Commanders were never really linked to another big-name back. While Washington wanted to add to the backfield, GM Adam Peters wasn’t desperate. Of course, if a player like Love fell, it’s a move you’d consider, but the position was lower on the team’s priority list.

Washington did add running back help in free agency, signing Rachaad White and Jerome Ford to one-year deals. Then, in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Commanders used a sixth-round pick on Kaytron Allen. Additionally, Peters also brought back Jeremy McNichols.

All of these newcomers join second-year back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who led the Commanders with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns last season. Croskey-Merritt will likely be Washington’s lead back, but he’ll share the role. With whom? That is to be determined, but if we could take anything away from the Commanders’ Tuesday practice during OTAs, White could be in store for a significant role in 2026.

Zach Selby of commanders.com shared the following insight from Tuesday.

It looks like new running back Rachaad White is going to be really helpful in the passing game. He’s a natural route runner with good hands, both of which have helped him catch 51.3% of his targets for 1,450 yards and 11 touchdowns. Quarterback Jayden Daniels already had a good connection with White before Washington signed him, and their chemistry has been clear throughout OTAs.

It looks like new running back Rachaad White is going to be really helpful in the passing game. He’s a natural route runner with good hands, both of which have helped him catch 51.3% of his targets for 1,450 yards and 11 touchdowns. Quarterback Jayden Daniels already had a good connection with White before Washington signed him, and their chemistry has been clear throughout OTAs.

Daniels and White were teammates for two seasons at Arizona State and are good friends.

None of the veterans, White, Ford, or McNichols, is guaranteed a roster spot. However, McNichols is a jack-of-all-trades, and his coaches and teammates love him. Meanwhile, White could be an ideal replacement for Austin Ekeler as Washington’s pass-catching back.

Early indications are the Commanders may have big plans for White in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Rachaad White could have big role in 2026