When new offensive coordinator David Blough was asked about the Washington Commanders' running back room during his introductory press conference, the play-caller acknowledged that more was needed. He remains confident in Jacory Croskey-Merritt after an impressive rookie campaign, but there was no mention of the rest.
Now, fans are starting to figure out why.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. was a restricted free agent this offseason. Keeping him around would have been a relatively straightforward process for Washington, especially after an encouraging campaign from the bruising backfield threat. Some encouraging strides were made, but it wasn't enough for an extended stay.
Rodriguez was free to explore other offers, and one arrived quickly. According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed the 2023 sixth-round pick to a two-year, $10 million deal with $6.2 million guaranteed. It's a deserved reward for the supreme dedication to come back from the brink in Washington, where he looked down and out on more than one occasion.
Commanders could be setting the table for Jeremiyah Love at No. 7 overall
This represents a supreme vote of confidence in Croskey-Merritt to make the strides needed. However, this departure, coupled with the aggressive defensive moves so far in free agency, could be laying the table for something much bigger.
Specifically, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
The Commanders have the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. It's not a need pick; you take the best prospect available and worry about the rest later. And the roster decisions being made by Peters throughout free agency to date are giving him some extra freedom to do just that.
Love is the best running back prospect in this class, and it's not close. He's got the potential to take the league by storm immediately. Draft analysts are placing the generational tag on his shoulders, with good reason.
Not many running backs get taken in the top 10, but Love is the best prospect since Bijan Robinson. The player has already declared his excitement about potentially linking up with quarterback Jayden Daniels. And if Peters believes this is the game-changing offensive weapon needed to get the Commanders a little closer to genuine contention, he won't hesitate to pull the trigger.
It's a mouthwatering possibility. Unfortunately, there is a problem.
Love may not be around when the Commanders go on the clock at No. 7. That's not set in stone, but considering the drastic drop-off from the Heisman Trophy finalist and the other backs in this class, it wouldn't be a great shock to see him go in the top five.
Peters doesn't have the ammunition to move up, so if he does have his sights set on this target, it'll be a nervous wait.
It'll be interesting to see what unfolds. But after the moves were made and Rodriguez signed with the Jaguars, it's becoming more realistic.