The Washington Commanders wanted to take a closer look at undrafted kicker Drew Stevens during their upcoming rookie minicamp. An invite was extended, expected to give the hopeful a chance to earn a deal that would keep him with the franchise over the summer.
Then, everything changed.
The Commanders must have gotten word that Stevens was getting considerable interest from elsewhere, potentially with an agreement on the table. General manager Adam Peters reacted decisively, giving the Iowa product an undrafted free agent contract instead.
Plans change quickly in the NFL. But this dramatic swerve amid an ever-changing landscape now sets the stage for something much bigger.
Commanders now have a genuine kicking competition on their hands
Obviously, the Commanders weren't satisfied enough by veteran Jake Moody's production last season to warrant a free run into the starting role once again. He performed relatively well, aside from a couple of wayward showings, but the heat is now firmly on despite getting a new one-year deal in free agency.
Now that competition has arrived, it'll be interesting to see who gets the upper hand.
Moody has the experience, which gives him an early edge. Stevens hasn't just come to make up the numbers, and he's got the leg to change the conversation.
Stevens is a four-time All-Big Ten kicker. He's nailed eight field goals of more than 50 yards in the last two years. He's come up huge in critical moments, and he was beloved by his teammates during his time with the Hawkeyes.
It's a fine margin situation. The Commanders saw enough in Stevens to make sure he didn't sign for another club. They are giving him a shot, but what comes next is down to the player.
But make no mistake: Moody will not give up his spot without a fight.
The San Francisco 49ers should never have drafted him in the third round. That placed bigger and unfair expectations on his shoulders that weren't quite met. There's just no telling where his career might go if he's beaten out by an undrafted rookie, so the former Ohio State standout cannot put a foot wrong when on-field preparations for the new campaign gather pace.
This is a fascinating dynamic to watch over the summer. It's been a while since the Commanders had long-term stability at the kicking spot. If Stevens manages to get the better of Moody, they might just have it.
Competition breeds success. It makes everyone better. Stevens will be pushing hard, and Moody now has the added urgency to keep the new recruit firmly on the fringes.
May the best man win.
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