Potential offensive free agent targets for Commanders in 2023

Running Back

With rookie Brian Robinson and young vet Antonio Gibson firmly in place, Washington does not need much help in the backfield. But the questionable health status of 3rd-down back JD McKissic might have Washington looking for a versatile player who can both catch and run, and provide a change of pace from the primary ball carriers.

There are always a ton of top-level prospects potentially available at running back. Though many of these players will re-sign with their current team, names like Saquon Barkley, Miles Sanders, and Josh Jacobs are theoretically on the market. Jamaal Williams has earned himself a big payday whether he remains in Detroit or moves on. Talented runners like Kareem Hunt and Alexander Mattison most likely want to go somewhere where they can be the lead back. And it’s almost impossible to envision Jerry Jones allowing Tony Pollard to leave Dallas in 2023.

But there are a few intriguing names for the Commanders to check out – players who could come in and do what McKissic has done so well in recent years. First on my list would be Myles Gaskin, who will be just 26 at the beginning of next season. He is a talented receiver who can add some speed to the backfield.

Older players like Ameer Abdullah and Jerick McKinnon could also offer a lot of what McKissic does. Both will be past 30, but could be effective in a limited role. Abdullah can double as a kick returner. My favorite young free agent back is likely to be D’Ernest Johnson, who like Hunt, may be looking to get out from under Nick Chubb’s formidable shadow in Cleveland. Johnson is a very good runner but I have seen him be effective in the passing game as well.

If McKissic’s health remains a question, I would love to see Gaskin in a Commanders uniform next season.