The Washington Commanders' revamped linebacking corps is perceived as a strength heading into the season, and with good reason. However, that didn't stop general manager Adam Peters from adding some extra competition lower down the pecking order before joint practice with the Miami Dolphins.
After a successful workout, the Commanders signed Curtis Jacobs to a one-year deal. They had a roster spot spare, so it's another body to assess and rely on, especially with the preseason slate on the very near horizon.
But what chance does Jacobs have of turning this opportunity into something more?
Curtis Jacobs has his work cut out with the Commanders after late arrival
The Commanders are well-stocked at linebacker. Frankie Luvu, free-agent signing Leo Chenal, and No. 7 pick Sonny Styles will lead the charge. Jordan Magee will make the squad as a core rotational piece and important special-teams presence. With veteran Nick Bellore opting for retirement, it potentially provides an avenue for 2025 sixth-rounder Kain Medrano or Ale Kaho to make a bigger impression.
In contrast, Jacobs is starting from the bottom.
He started his career with the New England Patriots in 2024, logging 23 defensive snaps. The Penn State product moved to the Tennessee Titans last season, spending much of the campaign on their practice squad while making three appearances.
Not exactly a glowing résumé, but the Commanders clearly saw something in his workout that could potentially shake things up.
There will be no bedding-in period for Jacobs. He's got to hit the ground running, and any slow start could see this time in Washington cut short. There is also the small matter of joint practice with the Dolphins in his immediate future, which will be the best possible way to stake an early claim.
If Jacobs makes it past that, he'll get another chance to impress in Washington's first preseason clash versus Miami on Friday. While his production on the defensive rotation is minimal at best in the pros, he's flashed on special teams over the last two years. And all it might take is a couple of splash plays here and there to change the conversation.
Realistically, Jacobs doesn't hold out much hope of making the squad without a monumental surge. He'll know that, and he'll be striving to change the narrative quickly. But if he impresses enough, a place on the practice squad might be within his capabilities.
Considering how late he's joining the team, that would be a considerable achievement.
This is probably nothing more than churning out the bottom of the roster to fill a slender void. But given there were other positions needing reinforcements rather than linebacker, their decision to take a chance on Jacobs is an eye-catching surprise if nothing else.
Whether it becomes anything more is highly debatable.
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