Commanders could sign Nick Chubb
The Washington Commanders spent their final selection in the 2025 NFL Draft on a running back. Jacory Croskey-Merritt is being tabbed as a potential steal, but expecting him to immediately surge into a prominent position is unfair and unrealistic in equal measure.
Looking at the regression of Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler last season, moving forward with this tandem again is questionable at best. Croskey-Merritt is the wildcard, but the Commanders could add another backfield threat to the room with high-profile credentials.
It's a risk, but Nick Chubb represents a solid option. The running back got his football legs back last season after a lengthy spell out through injury. With a full offseason to get sharp and prepare effectively, there's a good chance he will return to something like his old form.
Chubb posted videos of his workouts after the Cleveland Browns took two running backs in the draft. That won't go unnoticed by others around the league looking for backfield assistance immediately. Whether the Commanders throw their hat in the ring is another matter.
Nick Chubb just posted another workout video on Instagram this morning. Clearly sending a message now.
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) April 29, 2025
The #Browns drafted two running backs last week. pic.twitter.com/klNX4JOWqd
If this were the Chubb that took the NFL by storm in 2022, it's a no-brainer. Unfortunately for the former second-round pick, the last two campaigns haven't been kind. Wherever he ends up, a huge challenge awaits this summer.
Commanders could sign De'Vondre Campbell
The Commanders have two established starting linebackers — Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. They have two athletically gifted backups who could become more over time. That said, adding some extra experience to the depth chart wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Washington could be content to move forward with the options available. There's also last year's fifth-round selection, Dominique Hampton, who remains an unknown quantity after practically redshirting his rookie campaign. But if there is even the slightest concern in the event Luvu or Wagner goes down through injury, the Commanders should add more.
De'Vondre Campbell is a nine-year professional with bags of experience. He spent last season with the San Francisco 49ers, putting up solid numbers without ever standing out at any stage. Even so, with 858 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and seven interceptions throughout his career, it wouldn't be a bad fallback option to consider if Hampton, Jordan Magee, and rookie Kain Medrano need some extra time to develop.
In an ideal world, the aforementioned trio will pick things up quickly and make their presence felt. If not, Campbell could step in and give short-term assistance to a contending squad with no margin for error.
Although he might not be the All-Pro he once was, that doesn't mean Campbell couldn't do a job for Washington.