Michael Gallup - Commanders WR
Michael Gallup decided that one year of retirement was enough. The wide receiver still had goals to achieve and a burning desire to play. And he thought the Washington Commanders represented the best place to resume his playing career.
Gallup knows Dan Quinn, some other staff, and several players well from his time with the Dallas Cowboys. Being let go by Washington's bitter NFC East rival was a devastating blow. When things weren't the same with the Las Vegas Raiders, he decided to walk away from the gridiron entirely.
The former third-round pick out of Colorado State was an exceptional performer once upon a time. Gallup looked like a potential superstar after going over 1,100 receiving yards in 2019, but he never quite reached the same heights despite some solid production.
After a year away to get healthy and refocused, Gallup believes he can help the Commanders. It's not costing Washington much to find out whether he's still got something left in the tank, and they have other viable alternatives if he doesn't quite make the grade.
The league isn't exactly loaded with success stories of players who come out of retirement and try to make another go of things. Gallup is looking to turn the tide, but it could go either way.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
Chris Rodriguez Jr. is an interesting case. The former sixth-round pick didn't do enough to make the 53-man roster in 2024 following the additions of Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols. He came back onto the practice squad, which became a silver lining when all hope seemed lost.
Rodriguez got another chance to impress, albeit briefly. The Kentucky graduate flashed immense promise when opportunities came his way, gaining 4.9 yards per carry and finding the end zone twice in just 35 touches. Others were preferred, but the Commanders saw enough to hand the player another one-year deal this offseason.
It's another chance for Rodriguez to stake a claim. Brian Robinson Jr., Ekeler, and McNichols are still around. The Commanders also used their seventh-round selection to draft Jacory Croskey-Merritt, which adds another fascinating dynamic to the running back room heading into the offseason.
Things don't look especially promising for Rodriguez. Much will depend on how many running backs Washington takes through onto their 53-man roster, but he looks like the No. 5 option if Croskey-Merritt transitions smoothly.
Rodriguez will probably go back to the practice squad if he doesn't do enough. But a situation could also emerge where the Commanders cut their losses entirely if they aren't suitably impressed by his progress.