The Washington Commanders are still working hard behind the scenes to solidify the team's future. Another fine example of this arrived with a contract extension for a core part of the team's plans.
It just wasn't the one fans were expecting.
Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network confirmed that the Commanders had agreed to another one-year deal with Jeremy Reaves. The All-Pro special teamer is now under contract through the 2026 campaign, which was extremely well-received among the fan base.
Reaves' flamboyance, versatility, and team-first mindset made him an instant favorite. He rose from undrafted free-agent obscurity to become one of the league's most prolific special-teams performers. He started from the bottom and earned everything that came his way. There are very few more deserving.
Jeremy Reaves thoroughly deserves latest Commanders contract extension
This will be a fantastic confidence boost for Reaves to receive some additional financial security before the 2025 season. It also ties in with Joe Whitt Jr.'s recent comments about wanting to get the instinctive safety more involved on the defensive rotation next time around.
It's a positive development for the player and the Commanders. However, fans have been anxiously awaiting developments regarding Terry McLaurin's new deal. Nothing has been agreed as yet, and the wide receiver is sitting out Washington's mandatory minicamp. There are also rumors about the player's frustrations building due to the lack of progress.
Of course, Reaves' one-year extension was much easier to rubber-stamp than McLaurin's, which is going to be a multi-year agreement that could be north of $30 million per season when it's finally confirmed.
Reaves won't make anything close to that. Even so, his deal represents another sign that the Commanders are willing to take care of those who prove their worth to the franchise. The South Alabama graduate has done that and more. McLaurin has, too, but that's a little more complex.
The defensive back sets the tone every day. He's a great teammate and an outstanding on-field performer when called upon. Reaves brings the same energy and passion whether it's a game day or an early offseason workout. His teammates feed off it, which makes everyone better.
This is the exact character worth keeping around. The Commanders did right by Reaves, which only raises hope they'll do the same with McLaurin sooner rather than later.