Washington Commanders News & Rumors

G Brandon Scherff Retires

August 14th, 2025 at 4:39pm CST by Adam La Rose

Brandon Scherff remains unsigned deep into free agency, and no late-summer deal will be forthcoming in his case. The Pro Bowl guard has retired.

No announcements have been made on Scherff’s part with respect to a decision on his future. However, a summary of his induction into the Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame notes he “retired this summer.” The 33-year-old’s statement reflecting on his playing days confirms his career is over.

“It’s been something I could never dream of,” Scherff said of his NFL tenure. “Sometimes I would tell my wife that she has to pinch me, because I’m playing a kid’s game, and being able to do it as a job is pretty amazing. Now, having kids and being able to see them after games is absolutely wonderful. So I would say it’s a dream come true. And I will be forever grateful to have had that chance.”

The fifth overall pick of the 2015 draft, Scherff immediately took on starting duties with Washington. His run in the nation’s capital spanned seven years and included five Pro Bowl campaigns. Scherff’s only All-Pro nod came about in 2020. That year marked the first of two consecutive seasons where the franchise tag was in place.

Scherff departed on the open market in 2022, signing with the Jaguars on a $16.5MM-per-year pact. That accord was restructured last spring, allowing for a reduction in his cap charge for the 2024 season. Scherff again played all 17 games with Jacksonville, meaning he did not miss a contest across his tenure in Duval County.

Scherff’s time with the Jaguars included two seasons outside the top 20 in terms of PFF grade amongst guards. That marked a notable drop-off compared to his consistent high-end play with Washington. Any deal signed this summer would have checked in at a lower rate than his previous pacts, but Scherff still could have offered a new team with starting-caliber play along the interior. Instead, his attention will turn to his post-playing days.

In all, Scherff played in 144 combined regular and postseason games, starting all of them. He amassed roughly $110MM in career earnings.

Commanders Don’t Want To Pay Terry McLaurin Based On Past Performance

August 14th, 2025 at 4:00pm CST by Ben Levine

AUGUST 14: Detailing the initial stages of negotiations in this case, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports noted on the Inside Coverage podcast (video link) Peters and the Commanders were “stunned” by the asking price first submitted by McLaurin’s camp. Talks nearly broke down right away as a result, and as this point it remains to be seen if a compromise can be reached. Concessions on both sides may be needed, with Robinson echoing the notion that a pact averaging $28MM per year (or thereabouts) could be enough for a deal to be struck.

AUGUST 13: It’s been two weeks since Terry McLaurin publicly revealed his trade request, and a resolution doesn’t appear to be in sight. Thanks to ESPN’s John Keim, we’re starting to get more insight into how the Commanders are approaching negotiations…and how they run counter to their star wide receiver’s financial desires.

As we’ve assumed all along, the Commanders are wary of giving McLaurin a lucrative contract that would extend well into the player’s 30s. As Keim notes, the Commanders “rely heavily on analytics,” and those numbers aren’t particularly kind to receivers on the wrong side of 30. They may be onto something. Per ESPN Research, over the past five years, only three receivers 31 years or older have played at least 10 games and averaged 70-plus receiving yards per game (that number jumps to six players if you adjust for 60-plus receiving yards).

Further, the team can simply point to the NFL landscape, as other teams are also clearly wary of paying aging wideouts. Among the 24 active wide receivers who are attached to the most guaranteed money, only Tyreek Hill was older than 30 when the deal was signed. McLaurin has continually pointed to his lack of mileage despite his age; he barely played during his first two years at Ohio State, meaning he may not have the same wear and tear as similar players his age.

McLaurin is also naturally pointing to the stat sheet, as the receiver has continually produced despite uncertain QB play, uncertain ownership, and a handful of different coaching staffs. Per Keim, the Commanders don’t want to pay McLaurin based on his past performance, with the front office preferring to shape any future contracts based on his projections for age-31-plus seasons. The organization also doesn’t want to set a new precedent by paying McLaurin, as it could convince future veterans to push for lucrative deals in their 30s.

While McLaurin has taken the drastic measure of requesting a trade out of Washington, the organization is still convinced they have leverage in this showdown. After all, the player is still under contract for the 2025 campaign, meaning McLaurin will have to forfeit game checks if he sits out games. The team could even choose to slap him with the franchise tag next offseason (which could come in north of $30MM), meaning they’re in full control of the player’s fate moving forward.

The team is also skeptical that another suitor is going to willingly pay McLaurin the type of money he’s seeking. Per Keim, there’s doubts around the league about whether another team would be willing to meet the receiver’s demands. Even if a clear suitor does emerge, Keim makes it clear that Washington’s front office won’t give the star away without receiving a haul.

We heard recently that McLaurin wasn’t necessarily seeking a deal that matched fellow 2019 draftee D.K. Metcalf‘s deal with the Steelers. However, Keim says Metcalf’s contract has generally served as a guide for McLaurin, although it’s uncertain whether the Commanders wideout is looking to match the AAV ($33MM) or total guarantees ($60MM).

Ultimately, one source believes the Commanders may agree to pay McLaurin a contract that will pay $28MM per year. Of course, it’s uncertain if the player would even accept that offer. If that hypothetical maximum offer doesn’t end in a signing, a divorce may be the logical next step.

Cameron Fleming Works Out With Commanders; T Visited Chargers

August 14th, 2025 at 12:44pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Commanders recently hosted George Fant on a free agent visit, but he is not the only veteran offensive tackle to receive a look. Cameron Fleming headed to Washington earlier today, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Fleming has put together a journeyman career, although since 2021 he has played exclusively for the Broncos. The 32-year-old operated as a full-time starter in 2022, but for the most part in recent seasons he has operated as a backup. In all, Fleming has made 62 starts across his 118 regular season appearances.

The Stanford product was among the veterans who visited the 49ers late last month, and Garafolo notes he also worked out for the Chargers recently. Los Angeles’ tackle situation was dealt a major blow when Rashawn Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon, sidelining him for the 2025 season. Joe Alt will take on left tackle duties in his absence, but the Bolts could stand to add veteran depth behind him.

The Commanders are likewise in the market for experience at the position, as demonstrated by the decision to host Fant. Washington swung a trade to acquire Laremy Tunsil this offseason, setting up the five-time Pro Bowler to operate as the team’s left tackle in 2025. The starting right tackle gig will be decided by the outcome of the ongoing competition between incumbent Andrew Wylie and first-round rookie Josh Conerly Jr. Further depth could still be added ahead of the regular season, though.

Washington currently has nearly $17MM in cap space. The Chargers, meanwhile, have $31.5MM in available funds, so finances will not be an issue if either team proceeds with a Fleming signing in time for final roster cuts at the end of the month.

Commanders Host T George Fant

August 14th, 2025 at 11:12am CST by Adam La Rose

George Fant‘s busy offseason in terms of workouts continues. The veteran offensive tackle recently met with the Commanders, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports.

Schultz adds team and player will remain in contact over the near future. A deal could be in store soon as a result. Fant visited the Buccaneers last month, his first known workout of the summer. Previously, the 33-year-old expressed interest in joining the Titans or Ravens. With nothing happening on those fronts, Fant remains available shortly before the start of the regular season.

2024 saw Fant return to the Seahawks after beginning his career there. The former UDFA won the right tackle position but was limited to just two games due to injury. A veteran of 101 games and 75 starts, Fant could nevertheless offer plenty of experience at either tackle position as a first-team option or a high-floor backup.

The Commanders traded for Laremy Tunsil this offseason, and the five-time Pro Bowler will handle blindside duties as a result. On the right side of the line, incumbent Andrew Wylie and first-round rookie Josh Conerly Jr. are competing for the starting gig. Conerly saw time as a left tackle at Oregon, so he could assume the swing tackle role in the event Wylie were to win the ongoing competition. Fant could also represent a fill-in option at both tackle positions if he were to sign with Washington.

The Commanders currently have nearly $17MM in cap space, so a low-cost Fant signing would not be a challenge. It will be interesting to see if a deal is struck in the coming days or if his search for a 2025 gig will continue.

Workout Notes: Scott, Ross, Worley

August 13th, 2025 at 9:44pm CST by Ben Levine

The Ravens auditioned a notable backfield veteran earlier this week. NFL inside Jordan Schultz reported the other day that Boston Scott had a recent workout with Baltimore. The 30-year-old is healthy and in “terrific” shape as he continues to seek the “right” opportunity.

Scott’s long stint with the Eagles ended with the 2023 campaign, and his 24 touches represented a five-year low. Before that, Scott had a regular role on Philly’s depth chart, including 2020 and 2021 campaigns where he combined for 747 yards and eight touchdowns. He scored 16 touchdowns during his time with the Eagles, nine of which came against the Giants. He added another three scores in eight playoff games.

He joined the Rams last offseason but was among the team’s final cuts. He quickly caught on with the Steelers practice squad but only lasted a few weeks before earning his walking papers. He’s remain unsigned since that time.

The Ravens have plenty of depth behind Derrick Henry. Justice Hill will continue as the RB2 in 2025, and the team is still rostering the likes of Keaton Mitchell and former fifth-round pick Rasheen Ali. The organization added D’Ernest Johnson and Myles Gaskin to the RBs room this offseason, so perhaps Scott would be an option to temporarily replace one of those veterans.

More workout notes from around the NFL…

Before adding Roderick Daniels the other day, the Saints had a handful of wideouts in for workouts. This grouping included Justyn Ross, per veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer. The receiver got into 13 games for the Chiefs between 2023 and 2024, with all six of his receptions coming during his rookie campaign. It’s uncertain if Daniels’ signing would preclude a Ross addition, although the team did notably place WR Bub Means on IR today.
The Commanders had a handful of defensive backs in for workouts today, most notably cornerback Daryl Worley, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston. The former third-round pick has appeared in 99 career games, compiling 344 tackles and six interceptions. He most recently got into nine games (seven starts) for the Titans in 2024. If the journeyman ends up joining Washington, he’d be adding his 10th career team to his resume. Cornerback Qwuantrezz Knight, safety Trey Rucker, and defensive back Jason Taylor were among the team’s other workouts.

Commanders Sign CBs Antonio Hamilton, Essang Bassey; T Lucas Niang Out For Season

August 11th, 2025 at 9:43am CST by Adam La Rose

A set of Sunday workouts for the Commanders quickly resulted in a deal being worked out for linebacker Duke Riley. More signings have taken place on Monday.

The Riley deal is now official, per the team. It was also announced that cornerbacks Essang Bassey and Antonio Hamilton have been signed. Both of them took part in yesterday’s workout, as noted by The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala.

Bassey has spent his entire career in the AFC West to date, bouncing between the Chargers and Broncos. The 26-year-old has 43 appearances and five starts to his name, and he will spend the coming weeks looking to carve out a special teams role. Hamilton, like Bassey, joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent but he has managed to stay in the league for nine years. Hamilton has made 18 starts (nine of which came with the Cardinals in 2023) but with 190 games to his name he will add experience to Washington’s secondary.

In corresponding moves, edge rusher Viliami Fehoko, cornerback Allan George and linebacker Dominique Hampton have been waived. Hampton was a fifth-round pick last year, so even though he made just one appearance as a rookie it is somewhat surprising to see him let go at this point. All three players will now hit the waiver wire; provided they go unclaimed, each will become a free agent.

The Commanders also placed offensive tackle Lucas Niang on injured reserve, ending his season. Head coach Dan Quinn announced yesterday (via JP Finlay of NBC Sports) that Niang suffered an ACL tear. The former Chief signed with Washington this spring and was set to handle a backup role along the offensive line. Now, that unit’s depth will take a hit behind Laremy Tunsil, Andrew Wylie and first-round rookie Josh Conerly Jr. Veteran cornerback/special teamer Kevon Seymour was also moved to IR on Monday. Unless he is released via an injury settlement, his season is over as well.

Commanders To Sign LB Duke Riley

August 10th, 2025 at 6:25pm CST by Adam La Rose

Sunday saw the Commanders host seven linebackers on a free agent visit. That effort has produced at least one signing.

Duke Riley has a deal in place with Washington, his agents told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The news comes not long after it was revealed Riley was among the veterans who took part in a workout today (h/t Mike Garafolo of NFL Network). With 124 appearances in the NFL, he will certainly add experience to the position in the nation’s capital.

The Commanders’ depth linebackers have not stood out in the preseason, according to ESPN’s John Keim, and 2024 fifth-rounder Jordan Magee has also missed time. At a minimum, Riley is a trusted camp body who can absorb preseason snaps as needed, but his extensive experience as a special teams ace could give him a chance at a roster spot.

Riley, 31, appeared in all but one game for the Dolphins over the last four years. He was a core special teams contributor with a rotational role on defense until last year, when his defensive snap count plummeted to 42 under new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. It was clear that Riley would not receive another short-term contract in Miami, and he drew little interest on the free agent market this spring.

In Washington, the veteran linebacker will reunite with head coach Dan Quinn, who held the same position in Atlanta when the Falcons drafted Riley in 2017. The former third-round pick started 16 games across his first two seasons before an October 2019 trade to the Eagles, where he initially played special teams before taking over a starting role in 2020. A pre-existing relationship with Quinn and familiarity with his scheme should allow Riley to settle in quickly.

The Commanders’ group of workouts also included linebackers Amare Barno, Nicholas Morrow, Tanner Muse, Ronnie Perkins, Sione Takitaki, and Oshane Ximines, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic.

Nikhil Mehta contributed to this post.

NFC East Notes: Eagles, Campbell, Cowboys, Revel, Nabers, Giants, Miller

August 7th, 2025 at 9:14pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Eagles nearly pulled off a trade with the Chargers to climb 10 spots, to No. 22, in the first round. It turns out, the defending Super Bowl champions were in talks to move as high as No. 18. While it could have been interpreted as an effort to land a prospect higher on the board, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes the Eagles’ attempts were aimed at ensuring Jihaad Campbell became Philly-bound. Teams’ concerns about Campbell’s medicals affected his fall down the board, and the Eagles ended up moving up just one spot (via the Chiefs) to obtain Campbell.

This amounted to essentially a free fifth-round pick going to the AFC champions, who had their eyes on tackle Josh Simmons. Campbell rehabbed from shoulder surgery in time for an early-camp push to start alongside Zack Baun. Barring another setback, it would stand to reason the Alabama product will beat out Jeremiah Trotter Jr. for that role to open the season.

Here is the latest from the NFC East:

In non-Micah Parsons Cowboys news, the team still is operating without two of its top three cornerbacks. While Trevon Diggs rehabs another knee injury that may lead to a delayed start to the season, Shavon Revel has yet to debut at practice because of an ACL tear suffered early during his final East Carolina season. Jerry Jones said (via The Athletic’s Jon Machota) the third-rounder is making progress, but a return timeline is elusive here. Revel’s father recently weighed in on the situation, labeling (via 105.3 The Fan’s Gavin Dawson) his son roughly six to eight weeks from returning. This would put the reserve/NFI list in play; such a move would shelve Revel for at least four games. Diggs is aiming to avoid the reserve/PUP list. These developments are affecting a Cowboys secondary that also has second-year backup Caelen Carson out for at least a month with a hyperextended knee, pointing trade pickup Kaiir Elam toward an expanded role.
Malik Nabers has been dealing with a toe issue since his LSU days. It caused him to miss the Giants‘ offseason program. No surgery has addressed this problem yet, but the team has not ruled that out. The murky situation is now leading to reduced practice time at training camp, according to ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan. Nabers, who also dealt with a shoulder issue during camp, frequently can be seen tending to his toe during practices; Giants trainers are helping him along as well. For his part, Nabers said he is “feeling great” and ready to build on last year’s impressive rookie season. With this being more of a management issue, the second-year wideout’s toe looks appears likely to continue as a talking point moving forward.
The Commanders‘ $6.1MM Von Miller contract includes $4.4MM in incentives. Sack-based bumps are present here, as Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio notes those start at the seven-sack threshold. Seven sacks lands Miller $500K, while another $500K would come his way by reaching nine. A total of $2.5MM is available through sacks. A Pro Bowl nod would bring another $500K, Florio adds. If Miller reaches 11 sacks and Washington wins its first NFC championship since 1991, Miller would receive another $700K. A Super Bowl win following an 11-sack Miller season would net the future Hall of Famer another $700K.
Jake Ferguson‘s four-year, $50MM Cowboys extension includes $30MM in total guarantees and ties him for the NFL’s seventh-highest-paid tight end; Florio confirms the full guarantee number is $21.41MM. Ferguson’s 2025 and ’26 base salaries are guaranteed at signing; his 2027 base ($6.25MM) shifts from an injury guarantee to a full guarantee in March 2027. The contract includes a $9.75MM 2028 option bonus, which is nonguaranteed, though Florio adds $1.59MM of Ferguson’s $2MM 2028 base salary is guaranteed for injury at signing. The deal includes another $9.75MM option bonus in 2029, with a $2MM base salary for that year as well. Neither 2029 figure is guaranteed. The Cowboys could cut Ferguson in 2027 with a $7.2MM dead money charge.

Josh Conerly Jr., Andrew Wylie Vying For Commanders’ RT Job; Sam Cosmi Week 1 Return In Play

August 6th, 2025 at 3:29pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Commanders seemingly want to spend the bulk of their season with two new tackles protecting Jayden Daniels. Weeks after trading for Laremy Tunsil, Washington drafted Josh Conerly Jr. With the left tackle job unavailable, the first-round pick is competing at the other tackle spo

Conerly is vying to usurp Andrew Wylie at right tackle, ESPN.com’s John Keim notes. The rookie is rotating first-team snaps with the 2022 free agent signing, but the Commanders are attempting to give regular reps regardless of position. Conerly is seeing LT time when Tunsil is not in, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler adds.

Viewed as a future left tackle, Conerly — a college LT — does not have a route to that role thanks to Tunsil’s arrival. Washington has not extended Tunsil, though after trading four draft choices in that Texans swap, extension talks certainly would make sense. Tunsil has shrewdly commanded two top-market extensions, receiving the first a year after being acquired in a trade that sent the Dolphins two first-rounders. For now, Tunsil is signed through 2026; his ’26 base salary ($20.95MM) is nonguaranteed.

Tunsil extension plans would mean Conerly’s early-career stop will be right tackle. The Eagles had once envisioned a potential Lane Johnson LT transition post-Jason Peters, but the potential Hall of Famer became so impactful at RT no change ever transpired. Tunsil also played guard as a rookie (alongside Branden Albert), before moving to left tackle in Year 2. Conerly has not yet shown himself to be a surefire starter, Keim adds, keeping Wylie in the mix for another Week 1 starting role.

The Commanders’ RT starter for three seasons, Wylie accepted a pay cut this offseason. He is now on a one-year, $4MM deal. Tunsil’s presence also moved primary 2024 LT Brandon Coleman away from that position; the third-round pick is expected to play left guard this season, displacing 2023 free agent pickup Nick Allegretti. We heard after the Conerly pick Coleman would be more likely to factor in at guard than right tackle, and he has been working at the LG spot during training camp.

Wylie, who joins Allegretti in having a guard past in Kansas City, replaced Coleman at LG after the second-year blocker exited a recent practice, veteran Commanders reporter Ben Standig notes. Both the ex-Chiefs would represent plus swing options, even though they were signed to start. Allegretti is on a three-year, $16MM deal that runs through 2026. He started every Commanders game last season.

With Sam Cosmi recovering from a divisional-round ACL tear, Washington’s RG spot is currently open. Allegretti has seen some RG work during camp, but Dan Quinn is not ruling out Cosmi returning by Week 1. That would be on the aggressive side, but players have certainly made comparable journeys back previously.

Quinn said (via Keim) a Cosmi Week 1 return is on the table while also not dismissing a shift to the reserve/PUP list, which would knock the well-paid guard out for at least four games. The second-year Washington HC said more time will be necessary to determine if Cosmi will be ready to go.

The Commanders also could carry Cosmi over to the 53-man roster later this month and go week-to-week in the regular season, passing on a PUP stay in order to ensure he could play if ready to return by Week 2, 3 or 4. But Allegretti or Wylie, should the latter lose the RT competition to Conerly, represent solid backup options at RG if Cosmi is not ready to open the season.

Commanders WR Terry McLaurin Not Seeking Identical Deal To D.K. Metcalf’s

August 5th, 2025 at 12:50pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Terry McLaurin situation remains one to watch as the countdown to Week 1 continues. A trade request emerged last week, but to no surprise the Commanders have no intention of dealing away their No. 1 receiver.

McLaurin is owed a total of $19.4MM for 2025, the final year of his current contract. An extension (bringing with it a notable raise) has been a goal all offseason, with Washington seeking to work out a deal. The Commanders are believed to be hesitant about authorizing a pact averaging $30MM or more per year based in large part on McLaurin’s age. Entering his age-30 season, the two-time Pro Bowler is a candidate to see his production drop off while playing out his third contract.

To date, though, McLaurin has been a model of consistency with five straight 1,000-yard campaigns and a strong debut season with quarterback Jayden Daniels. A move toward the top of the receiver market has thus been sought out, with the new deal signed by D.K. Metcalf upon arrival with the Steelers named as a McLaurin target. Both 2019 draftees have strong track records of production, but Metcalf being two years younger is a factor in his favor regarding a comparison for financial purposes.

McLaurin has been linked to Metcalf’s $33MM-per-year pact with respect to his Commanders asking price. While portions of the Metcalf accord are indeed on McLaurin’s radar, Dianna Russini of The Athletic notes a matching AAV is not necessarily being sought out (video link). Once the trade sending him from Seattle to Pittsburgh was finalized, Metcalf signed an extension including $80MM in total guarantees and $60MM locked in at signing. Those figures could also be key, in addition to overall value, in negotiations between the Commanders and McLaurin’s camp.

Washington general manager Adam Peters added Deebo Samuel this offseason as part of his efforts to improve the skill-position group complementing McLaurin in 2025. A number of changes along the offensive line could also help Daniels during Year 2 as the team looks to build off last year’s run to the NFC title game. Of course, McLaurin will again be a central figure in determining the Commanders’ success provided he is on the field this fall.

Samuel is a pending free agent, and Daniels having plenty of term remaining on his rookie contract should provide Washington with the opportunity to make at least a short-term investment with respect to a third McLaurin contract. If/when a deal is reached, it will be interesting to see how similar his new pact looks compared to Metcalf’s.

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