Washington will cut ties with one veteran member of its running back room. They are moving on from Peyton Barber, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
The former Buccaneers back joined Washington during Ron Rivera‘s first year at the helm but did not make the cut to stay with the squad for a second season. This marks good news for rookie UDFA Jaret Patterson, who as of now joins the likes of Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic on Washington’s roster. The defending NFC East champions also cut running back Jonathan Williams.
Barber played 18% of Washington’s offensive snaps in 2020 and was on the field on 30% of Washington’s special teams plays. The 225-pound running back averaged a career-low 2.7 yards per carry last season, gaining 258 yards on 94 rushing attempts.
Barber, 27, led the 2018 Buccaneers in rushing (871 yards), delaying Ronald Jones‘ ascent, and is a vested veteran. This will allow Barber to head straight to free agency. Teams must cut down to 53 players by 3pm CT today.