The Washington Commanders are holding a legitimate competition for their starting kicker job during training camp. And it didn't take long for both veteran Jake Moody and undrafted rookie Drew Stevens to lay down an early marker.
This was the first real look reporters have had at the kickers since Washington's mandatory minicamp, where it was way too close to call. The same trend continued, with Moody and Stevens both going 6-for-6 on their field goal attempts and 1-for-1 in the team portion of practice.
First kicking period today:
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 30, 2026
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Jake Moody and Drew Stevens both 6 for 6.
If this were a heavyweight fight, both landed strong punches in the first round, but it was honors even. Nobody gained an edge, and everything is as it was before camp. Maybe Stevens has the slightest of advantages for the distance he was clearing his attempts, but that doesn't mean much right now.
Commanders' kicking competition has already become must-watch at training camp
Head coach Dan Quinn revealed that he plans to take this through the preseason before making a decision during final cuts. This is the smart call.
Moody is experienced, but his performances in the regular season have been inconsistent. Keeping him around to fight for his place brought a positive response, but it also allows them to get a look at Stevens in a live-fire, game-day setting during Washington's warm-up games to see how he fares.
Drew Stevens also 6 for 6. Same yardages. Same wind. Same holder. And Stevens rocked the All 22 camera pole to boot.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) July 30, 2026
If the former Iowa stalwart passes that test with flying colors, he immediately becomes the kicker with more long-term upside. And that might be enough to secure his roster spot.
That's not to say Moody is merely just an insurance policy at this stage.
The Commanders gave him another one-year deal because they believe he can improve with a full offseason in Washington, albeit with someone breathing down his neck. Competition breeds success, and the Ohio State product is displaying the character general manager Adam Peters was hoping to see.
Kickers be kickin' - Drew Stevens and Jake Moody both went 6\6 in the kicking portion of practice and 1\1 in team ... its gonna a be a fun summer following this battle pic.twitter.com/xkEJexjo7D
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) July 30, 2026
It's still early days. There will be a lot of twists and turns to come. The Commanders will be keeping a close eye on developments, and this position battle is among the most intriguing from a fan perspective.
This is precisely what Peters had in mind.
Washington's front-office supremo wanted to keep everyone on their toes by raising urgency through competition. It was the only way to take the franchise forward after the high bar came crashing down on them last season. For many, including Moody and Stevens, it's a sink-or-swim situation. And the resolve showcased so far has been enormously positive.
Moody and Stevens both being perfect on Day 2 of training camp only whetted the appetite further about what's to come. And it would be a brave man to pick a winner with any real conviction at the moment.
Things are still hanging in the balance. And given that this is down to the high performances of both, it's a good thing.
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