The Washington Commanders have been extremely busy throughout the offseason so far. General manager Adam Peters secured 15 new signings in free agency, promising more to come. There is also the draft and undrafted free agency to further strengthen the ranks before a critical 2026 campaign.
This approach was drastic and necessary in equal measure. It's created extra competition across the board. And for one rookie sensation now in a crowded room, he is not going to go away quietly.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt shone over his first season in Washington. He took the league by storm early on. Despite hitting the inevitable rookie wall, a strong end to his campaign meant the Commanders got much more than they bargained for with the seventh-round pick.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt sends not-so-subtle message as Commanders gear up for the draft
The Commanders added Rachaad White and Jerome Ford in free agency. They re-signed veteran Jeremy McNichols, and speculation remains high about the prospect of taking Notre Dame phenom Jeremiyah Love if he is available when Washington goes on the clock at No. 7 overall. That hasn't gone unnoticed by Croskey-Merritt, who sent a not-so-subtle reminder of his capabilities on social media.
"Please don't put a limit on me."
Plz Don’t Put A Limit On Me… 🩸 pic.twitter.com/88m4j6AXML
— Jacory Croskey - Merritt (@JacoryMerritt15) April 1, 2026
Croskey-Merritt probably knew there would be some fresh faces in Washington's backfield. New offensive coordinator David Blough acknowledged more was needed, though he was quick to praise the No. 245 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. There should still be a role to play, but just how big that role is has yet to be determined.
The Commanders will likely get White heavily involved, given his chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels from their time together at Arizona State. If Love comes in, that will instantly change the dynamic. Croskey-Merritt cannot do anything about that, so it'll be an anxious wait until something gets confirmed one way or another.
What's important for Croskey-Merritt is focusing on what he can control. He's a good runner and pass-catcher, but to become a legitimate three-down threat, his contact balance must improve. There is also significant refinement needed on the blocking side, which was his biggest weakness by a considerable margin.
At the same time, Croskey-Merritt showed last season that he can handle the big occasion. It was up-and-down as expected, but he will have gained a significant amount from the experience. And after everything he went through to get into the league, he's not planning to slow down now.
That was the biggest takeaway of Croskey-Merritt's post. Getting to the NFL and staying in the NFL are two very different things. And even though his depth chart status may be uncertain with the draft upcoming, he is not going to relinquish his No. 1 spot without a fight.
And the Commanders wouldn't expect anything less.