6 free-agent running backs the Commanders could sign in 2024

Commanders speedster: Tony Pollard

The Washington Commanders lack a home-run threat in the backfield. Free agent Antonio Gibson never brought his wide receiver-like speed to bear, while incumbent Brian Robinson Jr. is a steady runner, but rarely leaves defenders trailing.

Tony Pollard would be the true speedster the Commanders have lacked. He can stretch the field as a runner or a receiver from multiple spots with ease.

A great example of Pollard's quickness on the deck came on this Wildcat play run against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021.

Pollard's tough to get a hand on once he turns on the afterburners for outside runs. Letting him attack the edges of defenses would add the big-play dimension that's been missing from Washington's running game.

Signing Pollard would also give the Commanders another legitimate field-stretcher for the passing attack. He's a mismatch whenever he's isolated in space against a linebacker, like for this 70-yard scoring catch and run against the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, highlighted by Reel Analytics.

Although he wasn't quite at his best in 2023, Pollard still rushed for 1,005 yards and averaged four yards per carry. He's somebody new Commanders' head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. used to try and stop in practice during their days running defenses for the Dallas Cowboys.

Reuniting Pollard with some familiar faces, and having him complement what Robinson can do on inside runs, would be a free-agency coup for the Commanders.

The alternative would be to forego a speedster for a power back and short-yardage specialist.