Commanders could sign Jarquez Hunter
If the Washington Commanders want to think a little outside the box to ease their running back burden, taking a chance on someone like Jarquez Hunter is an intriguing possibility with potential future upside.
Hunter was a sixth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2025. He flashed in brief involvement, which was enough for the Miami Dolphins to make a trade move for the player after just one season in the NFC West.
Things didn't go quite as everyone hoped, and the Dolphins waived Hunter. After bringing him back on their practice squad, they parted ways with the player last month to make room for Kaytron Allen, Washington's sixth-round rookie who was made surplus to requirements.
This wouldn't be anything more than a gamble. However, Hunter was productive in college at Auburn and has some dynamic traits that could serve as a viable backup option behind Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler.
Commanders could sign Joe Mixon
This would be the biggest risk, to put it mildly. Joe Mixon was a borderline elite running back at his peak, but injuries in recent years have severely limited his chances of getting another shot in the NFL.
Mixon's had the worst luck imaginable. His big trade to the Houston Texans came with significant intrigue, but a serious knee injury denied him the chance to make a strong impression with the AFC South club.
They inevitably went their separate ways, and Mixon has been looking for work ever since. It seemed as if the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks were going to sign him, but unfortunately for the player, they weren't satisfied with his medical assessments when push came to shove.
This would be the main stumbling block in any potential switch to the Commanders. They can ill-afford more injury problems, but bringing him in for a workout to see how much is still left in the tank wouldn't cost them anything.
Commanders could sign Elijah Mitchell
Elijah Mitchell is another player who's seen action this season, even against the Commanders. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles during their Sunday Night Football loss at Northwest Stadium, but he has now returned to their practice squad without being elevated permanently.
Mitchell got 11 carries during the contest, as star running back Saquon Barkley was clearly restricted by injury. The dual-threat weapon also knows Adam Peters, who was part of the San Francisco 49ers' brain trust that drafted him in 2021.
The Louisiana product took the league by storm as a rookie, gaining over 1,100 yards from scrimmage and six combined touchdowns. Injuries ended Mitchell's hopes of becoming a long-term staple in San Francisco, but he did look sharp against the Commanders.
And that may not have gone unnoticed by Peters, especially now that he needs another running back.
Mitchell would help in the short term. It wouldn't be anything more than that, but it's all the Commanders need.
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