The Washington Commanders have some problems to figure out in the running back room. They are nice problems to have, but they are problems nonetheless.
General manager Adam Peters revamped the unit this offseason. There is now a surplus of dependable options capable of putting up numbers. Good players will be released; that's a guarantee. But could the Commanders flip one of them for a draft pick before final cuts are due?
One NFL analyst believes so. And he thought Jerome Ford could be the most attractive to teams looking for additional backfield help before the campaign.
Commanders' new signing Jerome Ford already being touted as a summer trade candidate
Moe Moton of The Bleacher Report thought the Indianapolis Colts should consider trading a late 2027 draft pick to acquire Ford. He's low down the pecking order in Washington, and the AFC South club needs to take the load off Jonathan Taylor with an explosive understudy. According to the analyst, that makes this possibility a win-win for all parties.
"The Colts need a solid No. 2 rusher who can also be an outlet in the short passing game. (Jerome) Ford can fill that role. He's currently the No. 3 tailback on the Commanders depth chart behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White."
The Commanders saw enough in Ford to give him a one-year deal this offseason. However, they also signed Rachaad White, drafted Kaytron Allen in the sixth round, re-signed Jeremy McNichols, and acquired Robert Henry Jr. in free agency.
Competition for places and carries couldn't be much higher. And even though the Commanders will probably move forward with a committee approach under new offensive coordinator David Blough, not everyone will make it.
It happens every year around the league. When a player who could be useful to others is designated for a cut, calls are made to see if another team wants to jump the queue. Ford wouldn't command anything more than a late Day 3 pick in this scenario, but something would be better than nothing if the Commanders decide he isn't part of their plans.
That's to be determined. Still, it would be surprising.
White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt will lead the charge. Allen provides a more physical presence, filling the Chris Rodriguez Jr. role after he left for the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency. That probably leaves only one spot for the rest, and McNichols' special-teams value might just give him the upper hand.
Ford has a fight ahead of him, but he does have talent. He's got breakaway speed and has flashed some outstanding production throughout his career before falling out of favor with the Cleveland Browns. This is the second chance he's been looking for, but if he cannot do enough to impress, Peters must work the phones.
And there might be a willing suitor willing to take him off Washington's hands.
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