3 former Commanders who are thriving elsewhere in 2022

2. DeAndre Carter (Chargers)

Commanders fans aren’t surprised Carter is doing great things elsewhere. Folks wanted Washington to re-sign the versatile receiver, but it seems like he took a hometown discount to play for the Chargers (he was born in San Jose, California). In any event, Carter is legitimately thriving with the Bolts.

With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams missing significant time through injury, Carter’s stepped into a pretty notable role as a receiver. While returning kicks and punts is Carter’s calling card, the former UDFA’s made incredible strides as a pass-catcher.

It helps that he’s catching spirals from a cyborg in Justin Herbert, but Carter’s already set career bests in targets (55), receptions (44), and receiving yards (466). With one more touchdown, he’ll have a new career-high in that department.

After averaging 17.4 yards per game in Washington, Carter’s going for 35.8 yards per contest in Los Angeles. Yes, the Chargers have had injuries, but he’s still had to compete with Austin Ekeler, Josh Palmer and Gerald Everett. And it’s not like Allen and Williams have been out the entire season.

As the Bolts’ lead return man, Carter’s 11.65 yards average per punt return rank third in the league, and his 480 kickoff return yards are good for sixth.

Again, is anyone surprised? Carter is a baller.