The Washington Commanders are slowly turning their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft. But there is one underrated free-agent signing that continues to draw rave reviews around the media.
And if everything goes according to plan, this could be one of free agency's biggest steals when it's all said and done.
The Commanders needed more in their running back room. Chris Rodriguez Jr. didn't get a tender, and he signed a pretty decent contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jeremy McNichols re-signed, but the need for reinforcements in the backfield alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels couldn't be understated.
Commanders' decision to sign Rachaad White has dran rave reviews around the media
Jerome Ford will get a chance to compete. The signing of Rachaad White brings far more intrigue. This sentiment was echoed by Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus, who called the Commanders' decision to reunite him with Daniels a tremendous piece of business.
"One of the more underrated players on the market, [Rachaad] White’s 87.2 PFF rushing grade was the fourth-best among any running back with 100 or more carries last season.
"On top of that, White’s 71.2 PFF pass-blocking grade sits fourth among qualified backs over the last two years. Adding a valued rusher and blocker as part of a committee including Jacory Croskey-Merritt is great work by the Commanders."
White and Daniels already have a prior connection. The pair formed a dynamic tandem with the Arizona State Sun Devils before the running back went to the NFL and the signal-caller transferred to LSU. This move no doubt got his seal of approval, providing the Commanders with a useful asset in the passing game who can also break big yards on off-tackle runs.
The Commanders are giving White a chance. Rumors are still swirling that general manager Adam Peters could take Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love with the No. 7 pick, which would change the dynamic considerably. But the moves made in free agency provide a little extra flexibility, and the hotly touted prospect could be gone by the time Washington gets on the clock.
This is nothing more than a prove-it deal for White to see if he can rekindle his magic with Daniels and become a part of Washington's long-term plans. For the money involved, it's not costing the Commanders much to find out one way or another. And if there is still a spark between the dynamic duo, that will help David Blough's schematic concepts considerably.
This could be a shrewd move from Peters. And as we all know, White may not be the only college teammate of Daniels to land in Washington before the 2026 campaign begins.