Potential Washington Football Team free agent RB gems
When the Washington Football Team didn’t make any splashes during 2020 free agency, a large portion of the fanbase was perturbed. However, despite the lack of hype, the team did find a few hidden gems, and hopefully, they can replicate that success this offseason.
After losing out on Amari Cooper, the biggest splash that Washington made in free agency last year was bringing back Kendall Fuller. The vast majority of free agents the team brought in could be seen as “other guys.”
But maybe the front office had the foresight that many of us lacked because some of those “other guys” turned into valuable pieces throughout the season.
In early December, when speaking with The Washington Post, Coach Ron Rivera discussed the value of the hidden gems the team found in free agency last season.
"You look at these guys and think these are types of guys that you want. Now, those guys may not be your starters, but they may be top-flight backups that are just as valuable to what you’re trying to do."
J.D. McKissic was one of those value signings who the team thought could provide a lot of versatility in the backfield.
Prior to last season, he had 402 career rushing yards, 70 career receptions, and 515 career reception yards after four years in the league.
He finished last season with 365 rushing yards, 80 receptions, and 589 receiving yards, serving as one-half of the Gibson-McKissic backfield duo.
Potential Washington Football Team free agent RB gems
Fans are always excited talking about the major splashes franchises make, but the low-cost, high-value pieces can have a major impact. This franchise is all too familiar with overspending on free agents only to watch those signings blow up in its face.
Today, we’ll focus on some free-agent running back targets who could provide some low-cost value similar to what J.D. McKissic did last season. In the rest of the series, we will move on to wide receivers, tight ends, and defenders.
Currently, Washington is slated to return Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, and Peyton Barber next season. Bryce Love, who finished the year on IR, and Jonathan Williams and Javon Leake, who are both signed to reserve/future contracts round out the running backs, are also on the team.
Let’s take a look at some options that could provide valuable upgrades to the running back position.