Commanders tendered Chris Rodriguez Jr.
The Washington Commanders got first refusal on Chris Rodriguez Jr. as an exclusive rights free agent. Although the coaching staff didn't trust him enough at the business end of the campaign, they want to see if he can develop further entering his third season.
Washington slapped an exclusive rights tender on Rodriguez to prevent him from speaking with other teams. Things looked bleak for the former sixth-round pick once upon a time, but he deserves tremendous credit for displaying the resolve to bounce back and give himself a fighting chance.
Rodriguez ran with urgency and purpose last season when his number was called. Fans were disappointed the Kentucky product never got more of a look when Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler were either injured or regressing. Now, he'll get a chance to force the issue and leave no doubt.
- Signing grade: B+
This shouldn't stop the Commanders from drafting a running back, especially considering Ekeler and Robinson are both entering the final year of their deals. But Rodriguez represents a decent insurance policy that could become something more.
Commanders re-signed John Bates
Zach Ertz wasn't the only tight end to get another commitment from the Commanders. The team also inked John Bates to a new three-year deal, which keeps the blocking specialist around despite his limited involvement in the passing game last season.
The Commanders didn't need Bates to become a focal point in the passing attack. That's why they brought Ertz into the fold. This allowed the former fourth-round pick to focus on what he does best, providing assistance in pass protection and helping plow running lanes at the second level.
This was somewhat surprising to fans, but reports suggested Bates would have a decent market in free agency given the need for blocking standouts. Adam Peters offered long-term security with a three-year deal to ensure complications were kept to a minimum.
- Signing grade: B+
With Ertz re-signing and Ben Sinnott projected to get more involved after being used sparingly as a rookie, Bates will have a similar role in 2025. He's carved out a decent niche for himself and was rewarded accordingly.
Commanders re-signed Tress Way
Tress Way is a popular figure among the fanbase and in the locker room. He's not getting any younger, but re-signing the Pro Bowler was all but guaranteed.
This is something the Commanders accomplished with little fuss. Way penned a one-year, $2.8 million deal before the legal tampering window. With veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen no longer around, the special teams ace is one of the last remaining figures from a bygone era in Washington.
Way deserves another deal. Nobody would have complained if this was a longer-term commitment, but both sides are taking things on a year-by-year basis. This is understandable considering he will be 35 years old next month.
- Signing grade: A+
This is a win-win for the Commanders. Way is revered by his peers and still performing at a high level. He was an innocent bystander earlier in the campaign thanks to Washington's efficient offense, but he almost always produced the goods when needed.