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Washington Commanders News & Rumors

NFL Minor Transactions: 8/20/25

August 20th, 2025 at 9:58pm CST by Ely Allen

Here are today’s midweek minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Buffalo Bills

Chicago Bears

Denver Broncos

Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Reverted to IR: T Gareth Warren
  • Waived (with injury settlement): LB Devin Harper

San Francisco 49ers

Washington Commanders

Waller will now be able to officially return to the field today as he attempts to shake off a year’s worth of retirement. Head coach Mike McDaniel expects him back at practice “very soon,” potentially even this week, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

The Bears have landed the services of the veteran Freeman as they deal with absences from D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, Kyle Monangai, and Travis Homer. Hankins had gotten the starting nod in the team’s last preseason game for that same reason, and he’ll now hand off that role to Freeman.

Ferguson, the Dolphins’ former long snapper of the past five years, finally gets a job after his release from Miami. The Texans were really liking what they were seeing out of undrafted rookie Austin Brinkman, but a minor, short-team injury will keep him from the team’s final preseason game, requiring at least a short stay from Ferguson.

Commanders Were Willing To Trade RB Brian Robinson In 2024

August 19th, 2025 at 9:35pm CST by Adam La Rose

Not long after it was learned the Commanders are prepared to trade running back Brian Robinson, team and player decided he would not play in yesterday’s preseason contest. A parting of ways appears to be forthcoming.

[RELATED: No Progress On Terry McLaurin Extension Talks]

Head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters spoke with Robinson on Sunday about sitting him for Monday’s contest against the Bengals. The rest of the team was then informed of the news. Quinn’s latest remarks on the subject do not confirm a trade or release will take place, but they continue to point in that direction.

“It’s just a lot of moving parts,” Quinn said, via The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala (subscription required). “This time of year, those things take place and… it’s my responsibility to let the team know whenever I can so they’re not hearing any information from anywhere else.”

Notably, an AFC executive informed Jhabvala the Commanders were prepared to move on from Robinson last offseason. Instead, the first year of the Peters-Quinn regime saw him remain in the fold. Robinson once again handled lead back duties in 2024, setting new career highs in rushing yards (799), touchdowns (seven) and yards per attempt (4.3). A full campaign – the Alabama product has yet to play more than 15 games in a season – along with improved play up front for Washington could bring about an uptick in efficiency and production.

At this point, though, it is increasingly clear Robinson is not on course to spend the coming campaign with the Commanders. The 26-year-old has one season remaining on his rookie pact and is owed a base salary of $3.41MM for 2025. A trade or release would result in that figure being saved against the cap with the team incurring a dead money charge of only $212K.

While moving on from Robinson would thus have notable financial benefits, it would lead to a shift in the Commanders’ backfield. Veteran Austin Ekeler is still in the fold as a pass-catching presence as well as a returner. Seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and 2023 draftee Chris Rodriguez would assume larger roles in the event Robinson were to be dealt ahead of Week 1.

With roster cuts looming, a number of teams face decisions similar to this one. Nothing is officially in place regarding a Robinson move, but especially considering Washington’s approach to him last year it would come as no surprise if team and player moved on shortly.

Commanders, T George Fant Agree To Deal

August 19th, 2025 at 11:04am CST by Adam La Rose

George Fant met with the Commanders last week, and a deal has emerged shortly thereafter. The veteran tackle has agreed to terms with Washington, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports.

Fant was limited to just two games last season upon returning to the Seahawks. He had won the right tackle gig in 2024, but a depth spot will be in store this time around. The 33-year-old nevertheless has 75 starts to his name, so he will offer experience at either tackle spot if needed.

Upgrading along the offensive line was a priority for the Commanders this offseason. The team’s most notable move in that respect was the trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. The five-time Pro Bowler will handle blindside duties on his third career team, with Brandon Coleman shifting to guard as a result. Tunsil has two years remaining on his pact, although none of his scheduled $21MM salary for 2026 is guaranteed.

A potential left tackle successor was added during the first round of the draft. Josh Conerly Jr. is currently focused on competing for the starting right tackle gig. He and incumbent Andrew Wylie are contesting the position. The runner-up will no doubt be viewed as the primary RT backup for 2025. Fant will also be an option in that respect, though, in addition to offering Washington a fill-in on the blindside.

The former UDFA saw considerable playing time over the course of his first Seahawks tenure as well as his Jets and Texans stints. Fant was contemplating signing with the Titans or Ravens earlier this offseason, but in the absence of an agreement on either front he continued searching for an opportunity. That included a visit with the Buccaneers, a team looking for depth until Tristan Wirfs is healthy. Instead of Tampa Bay, Fant is headed to the nation’s capital.

The Commanders entered Tuesday with nearly $17MM in cap space, and today’s signing will not considerably affect that total. Washington’s offense faces questions with the Terry McLaurin and Brian Robinson situations unresolved, but the unit will have veteran depth up front in 2025.

Commanders Shopping RB Brian Robinson

August 18th, 2025 at 2:00pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

AUGUST 18: A mutual decision between team and player has been made for Robinson not to suit up for tonight’s preseason contest, as first reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. That represents a clear sign a trade is on tap with the Commanders looking to ensure an injury does not occur. This situation remains one to watch closely.

AUGUST 17: The Commanders are open to trading running back Brian Robinson, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Robinson, 26, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He was a consistent but unspectacular ballcarrier in his first three seasons, recording between 700 and 800 rushing yards in each of the last three seasons with 20 total touchdowns. In 2024, Robinson put up career-highs in 2024 as a rusher (799 yards, eight touchdowns), but veteran signing Austin Ekeler ate into his passing-down snap share.

Robinson is currently listed as the Commanders’ starting running back on the team’s unofficial depth chart, so their willingness to trade him suggests a few things. First, with Robinson entering a contract year, he may be seeking an extension without mutual interest from Washington’s front office. Two running backs from his draft class – James Cook and Kyren Williams – recently signed second contracts with the teams that drafted them. Cook, who statistically outpaces Robinson by a significant margin, received $11.5MM per year with $30MM in total guarantees.

Williams is more comparable and signed for $11MM per year with $23MM in total guarantees. As a result, Robinson could be seeking upwards of $10MM per year and $20MM in guaranteed money. The Commanders could have concerns about his pedestrian rushing efficiency (4.1 career yards per carry) and may want to recoup some value in a trade rather than meeting his demands.

Placing Robinson on the trade block also indicates that the Commanders are confident in the other running backs on their roster. Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez, and Jeremy McNichols were all more efficient than Robinson last year, albeit on smaller sample sizes. Preseason hype has also been building around seventh-rounder Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who could make the 53-man roster and compete for a role in the backfield.

However, a trade seems unlikely to come together this close to the regular season. The Commanders could re-bait the hook closer to the trade deadline, by which time injuries could increase teams’ need for backfield depth.

Commanders Activate Terry McLaurin Off PUP List; No Progress On Contract

August 16th, 2025 at 10:07pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Commanders have activated wide receiver Terry McLaurin off the active/physically unable to perform list, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, but the move is not an indicator of progress in extension negotiations.

Head coach Dan Quinn said (via NBC4 Sports) that McLaurin’s activation is “definitely separate” from his contract talks. “This is about his getting ready to play,” continued Quinn.

However, McLaurin’s activation did come a day after offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury indicated that he wanted his star wide receiver to get back on the practice field as soon as possible.

“Time on task together on the grass is really the only way you can continue to build,” said Kingsbury (via 106.7 The Fan’s Grant Paulsen).

McLaurin did not practice on Saturday, per The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala, though that’s not necessarily an indicator of a hold-in. Quinn and Kingsbury both indicated that McLaurin had been spending time with trainers and other medical staff, so he may be going through workouts out of view of the media.

Still, the 29-year-old’s willingness to practice will be a situation worth monitoring over the next week. There is still a “sizable gap” between McLaurin and the Commanders, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, and the two-time Pro Bowler is “dug in” and “remains frustrated.” Despite his trade request and some interest from other teams, the Commanders still believe that they can get a deal done before the season.

Commanders Sign WR River Cracraft, DB Daryl Worley

August 14th, 2025 at 7:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

Daryl Worley has reached an agreement to join a 10th NFL team. The veteran defensive back, whom the Titans turned to as a fill-in starter last season, is joining the Commanders, per The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala.

Washington, which also added wide receivers River Cracraft and Mike Strachan (via Jhabvala), is bringing in Worley after a recent workout (h/t KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson). Worley, who spent three seasons with the Ravens, will return to the mid-Atlantic region as a Commanders DB option.

None of Worley’s previous stops involved Dan Quinn or GM Adam Peters, though Worley did stop through Dallas in 2020. Worley, 30, has seen action for the Panthers, Raiders, Cowboys, Bills, Lions, Ravens and Titans. This nomadic career also included brief Eagles and Cardinals stopovers.

This is not quite Josh Johnson pace, but the double-digit team club is certainly a milestone in journeyman lore. Perhaps some discussions can commence on this topic, as the quarterback joined the Commanders this offseason.

While Worley (54 starts from 2017-20) found himself a regular Ravens practice squad callup — en route to being a PFR “Minor NFL Transactions” staple in those years — he logged seven starts for the Titans last season. A former cornerback in his regular starter days, Worley has transitioned to safety. He spent most of his Tennessee stint as a free safety or in the box for the struggling team, making 52 tackles, notching a forced fumble intercepting a pass. With Washington, the ex-third-round pick joins Will Harris, Quan Martin, Percy Butler and special teams ace Jeremy Reaves at safety.

Cracraft, 30, served as a minor Dolphins receiving contributor over the past three seasons. Following Mike McDaniel from San Francisco to Miami, Cracraft caught 25 passes for 289 yards and three TDs in Miami from 2022-24. The former UDFA, whose 49ers stint came during Peters’ time in San Francisco, has now seen game action in each of the past seven seasons. He will vie for a backup job with Washington.

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.

[RELATED: Commanders’ Terry McLaurin Requests Trade]

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.

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