3 running backs Commanders could target after latest rumors

The NFL offseason is full of surprises, so Washington Commanders fans shouldn’t be expecting everything to go according to plan.

While the idea of trading for a superstar quarterback is mouthwatering, it shouldn’t be the expected outcome. At the end of the day, it’s possible Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson stay with their current teams, and Deshaun Watson struggles to get dealt amid his 22 active civil lawsuits.

Let’s take a break from QB discourse for a second, though.

After all, the latest offseason buzz suggests the Commanders could be in the market for another running back. In his latest article, here’s what The Athletic’s Ben Standig had to say about the interchangeable position.

"“. . . don’t be surprised if Washington re-signs McKissic and adds another RB capable of spelling or taking over on early downs when (Antonio) Gibson sits. Another back would also take pressure off a non-star or rookie quarterback, which would be the reasonable outcomes for Washington’s search.”"

That was unexpected, but we don’t hate the idea. At 5-foot-8, Jaret Patterson, who clearly belongs in the NFL, isn’t the prototypical backup. This report suggests Washington would like a more proven commodity behind Gibson, so let’s highlight three free agents who could step in and fill the backup role.

3 free agent RBs the Commander could target

3. Rashaad Penny

Could Penny follow Russell Wilson to Landover this offseason?

In all seriousness, the longtime Seahawks running back would be a fantastic, albeit underrated, pickup for the Commanders. Long viewed as a bust former first-round pick, Penny exploded over the final five games of his rookie contract.

If you were lucky enough to claim Penny off waivers in your fantasy leagues, odds are you won a lot of games down the stretch. In layman’s terms, he was the most productive running back in the NFL from Weeks 14-18.

Penny’s 671 rushing yards during that span were the most in the league, beating out Jonathan Taylor’s 606. No one else had more than 500 yards on the ground, and Penny did it while averaging 134.2 yards per game, 7.1 yards per carry (best in the league) and scoring six touchdowns (second best).

The San Diego State product also tallied 5.2 yards after first contact per carry, per Pro Football Focus, also the best in the NFL.

Given his history, injury questions will follow Penny whenever he goes, but his dominant run to close out the regular season undoubtedly caught the attention of teams in need of a reliable complementary running back.

We hope the Commanders were one of those teams.