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4 return specialists Commanders could draft to replace DeAndre Carter

By Jerry Trotta

Nov 29, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver DeAndre Carter (1) returns a kick against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver DeAndre Carter (1) returns a kick against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

The Washington Commanders‘ exceedingly reserved approach to free agency continued when they let DeAndre Carter, a vital component of the team’s special teams unit and wide receiving corps in 2021, sign with the Chargers.

It’s not an earth-shattering decision by means, but Carter contributed tremendous value as a dart-throw signing last offseason. On top of overachieving as a receiver by finishing fourth on the team in receiving yards and third in both touchdowns and first downs, Carter provided needed consistency as a return man.

For the year, Carter finished second in the league in total kickoff return yards and third in average yards per kickoff return. While return specialists can be found anywhere, elite ones don’t exactly grow on trees

In other words, Washington will need to find a replacement. Given Carter signed for a shade over $1 million, the front office would seemingly rather address the position via the draft than spend cap space on a free agent.

With that in mind, let’s run through a handful of intriguing return specialists the Commanders could target in the upcoming draft.

4 DeAndre Carter replacements Commanders could draft

Velus Jones Jr, WR, Tennessee

Probably not a bad idea to start with someone whom many believe is the most dynamic return specialist in this year’s draft, right? The unique part about Velus Jones Jr. is that he hadn’t returned punts before the 2021 season. Despite that, he finished second in the FBS by averaging 15.1 yards per return.

When all was said and done, the USC transfer was named the Co-Special Teams Player of the Year in the SEC. The honor was fully deserved, as he totaled 628 kickoff return yards while averaging a whopping 27.3 yards per kick return.

At 6-foot and 204 pounds, Jones has plenty of speed to burn. His 4.31 40-yard dash at the Combine ranked second among wide receivers. Like Carter, he’s limited as a route-runner and pass-catcher, but his straight line speed and lateral quickness make him an ideal weapon on screens and sweeps.

In short, Jones Jr. should undoubtedly be on Washington’s radar.

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