One of the most anticipated roster battles over the summer centers on the kicking position. The Washington Commanders are giving veteran Jake Moody and undrafted rookie Drew Stevens a chance to earn the job, and it's been a rip-roaring start to this competition over organized team activities.
There is significant intrigue around Stevens, the young upstart looking to carve out a role for himself. However, it's already clear that Moody will not be giving up his No. 1 spot without a significant fight in the weeks and months ahead.
Moody joined the Commanders last season after general manager Adam Peters finally gave up on his costly Matt Gay experiment. He came in off the Chicago Bears' practice squad and performed well, though a wayward end to the campaign left his future hanging in the balance.
Jake Moody is showcasing starting credentials at Commanders OTAs
Washington gave Moody a new one-year deal, but he is not getting a free run.
Stevens was signed to a contract after interest from elsewhere turned his rookie minicamp invite into a more substantial offer. That showed how much the Commanders think of him, and he felt like this was the best landing spot to get playing time immediately.
All eyes were on Moody and Stevens for the second OTA practice with media in attendance. And both once again showcased just how close this fight is going to be.
Moody is turning the screw. According to Mitchell Tischler of Monumental Sports Network, the Ohio State product made all seven of his field goal attempts, including from 58 yards. Stevens was less impressive, making 5-of-7. He missed from 49 and 54 yards, but made his 58-yard effort.
Moody and Stevens just both nailed 58 yarders https://t.co/bkyikaUI6R
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) June 2, 2026
There will be up-and-down days for both. Stevens is still familiarizing himself with the tempo and intensity of fighting for an NFL future. Moody is well-versed in this, and it's starting to show. But based on head coach Dan Quinn's comments, this will run right through training camp before a final decision is made.
The stakes are high, and the urgency being displayed by both is glaring. Increasing competition was extremely high on Peters' list of priorities this offseason, and it's bringing out more from everybody. There is a different mood around the Commanders at OTAs, with everyone fully aware of the important need to bounce back in 2026. And everything must be earned.
Moody and Stevens are just getting started. There could be a few twists and turns to come, but the veteran is still the frontrunner until further notice.
It'll be interesting to see if he can keep this up.
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