The Washington Commanders have undergone a youth movement of sorts in their wide receiver room. It's a gamble, but those in power clearly believe the young upstarts looking to make a bigger impact can do just that within offensive coordinator David Blough's scheme.
This was necessary, but it also meant that some who formed a big part of the team's plans previously were no longer needed. Noah Brown was among them, and considering the veteran pass-catcher is still sitting on the market at this stage of the offseason, one has to wonder if the NFL has turned its back on him entirely.
Brown's flashes were immensely encouraging throughout his two years in Washington. He'll be remembered by fans for catching quarterback Jayden Daniels' miraculous Hail Mary pass to beat the Chicago Bears in 2024, a play that sparked a surge that eventually culminated in the NFC Championship game. Unfortunately, a kidney problem that required surgery brought an end to his momentum.
Noah Brown is facing a harsh reality after the Commanders move on
This was the start of things to come.
Brown got another one-year deal from the Commanders, but a knee injury sustained over early workouts took a long time to shake off. The 2017 seventh-round pick out of Ohio State managed to get back for Week 1, but he lasted just two games before going to injured reserve once again.
The wideout didn't get back until Week 13. That lasted another two contests before Brown got hurt again, ending his campaign and obliterating any chance he had of a third season with the club.
Injuries have been a major stumbling block for Brown. He's also the wrong side of 30 now, so it's not hard to see why an early retirement could be forced if nobody comes calling in the weeks ahead.
It's been one setback after another for Brown. The size, length, speed to stretch the field, and ability in contested catch situations make him an imposing option at the peak of his powers. But as the old saying goes, the best ability is availability in the NFL.
Brown hasn't displayed that nearly enough of late. And league history is littered with cases like this.
Not many of them have a happy ending, either.
This notion will not be lost on Brown. There have been no murmurings of interest from elsewhere, with teams now reporting to training camps around the league. That situation could change quickly if injury strikes, but there is just no telling for sure.
All the wideout can do is stay fit, focused, and ready if another chance comes. But it's hard to look at his predicament with any real confidence right now.
As for the Commanders? They'll see how things play out over the early stages of camp before deciding if more is needed alongside Terry McLaurin. But those alternatives won't include Brown.
And even though the UFL or CFL might be an option, it seems as if the NFL may have passed him by.
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