The Washington Commanders added running back Rachaad White in free agency, reuniting him with his old college teammate and close friend Jayden Daniels. However, general manager Adam Peters was not done fortifying his backfield options in 2026.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. didn't receive a restricted free-agent tender and signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. White helped fill that void, but Peters felt the Commanders still needed more to go alongside Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the room.
As has been the case throughout a frantic free agency so far, Peters struck with conviction to get his desired target. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Commanders have signed Jerome Ford to a one-year deal. The financial details weren't immediately disclosed, but it's unlikely to be much, given the player's complete lack of involvement with the Cleveland Browns in 2025.
Commanders take low-risk gamble on Jerome Ford to bolster running back room
Ford looked like a potential long-term starter once upon a time, going over 1,100 yards from scrimmage with nine touchdowns in 2023. The former Alabama and Cincinnati college star wasn't able to build on this positive momentum, and his role in Cleveland completely diminished after the team drafted Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson last spring.
While Ford was still utilized as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, it was clear from a long way out that this was going to be his final season with the Browns. An uncertain future awaited, but the Commanders clearly see something in the player that can be salvaged.
There will be no guarantees. The Commanders are giving Ford a chance to impose himself, but a lot of hard work is ahead. Adjusting to David Blough's schematic concepts, embracing the team's culture under head coach Dan Quinn, and maximizing every opportunity over the summer will only serve him well. But this arrival might not stop Washington from adding to the backfield at some stage during the 2026 NFL Draft.
That would only make things more difficult for Ford. The Commanders took four running backs onto their roster in 2025. Only one of those — the impressive Croskey-Merritt — will be on the books this time around. It's a new look room, but it's younger and more vibrant with players who could complement each other well.
This also probably spells the end of Jeremy McNichols' chances of getting re-signed. He was seen as a strong special teams presence, but his production when given carries was inconsistent at best. Whether Ford can be any better remains to be seen, but he's proven more than capable in the past when given significant responsibilities.
Hopefully, he can do the same again in Washington.