Commanders Celebrate Return of Record-Setting All-Time Great
The Washington Commanders had plenty of players step up in a big way this past season following their stunning run to the NFC Championship Game.
One of the more important parts of their rebuild – outside of the development of reigning offensive rookie of the year – was the fact their special teams unit took a major step in the right direction. Tress Way was a key part in that as well. Last season, Way became the Commanders’ all-time leading punter with a career total of 36,380 punting yards during his career. Considering Washington is one of the oldest franchises in NFL history, this is not some target to look past. It’s something to celebrate for Way.
As he prepares for his 12th NFL season, Way is looking to show Washington for another season why he’s been considered one of the most dependable special teams players in the league.
With a new one-year deal to stay in Washington back in his resume, Way is looking to keep his consistency going. Related: Commanders’ Shrewd Offseason Described In 1 Word And it doesn’t look like he wants to slow down any soon. “I just feel like there’s just so much excitement around this organization, hands down the most I have ever seen,” Way said. Washington is happy Way is their punter. And they are hoping for more success next season so they don’t have to use him too much. Related: Commanders’ Deebo Samuel Trade Ranked Among Best NFL Offseason Moves
REPORT: Commanders Predicted to Trade “Best Asset” – 5 Potential Destinations
The Washington Commanders could trade their “best asset” during this year’s NFL Draft this offseason and these five teams may be interested.
The Washington Commanders could trade their best asset running back Brian Robinson during the NFL Draft this offseason. According to Pro Football Focus, the team has been centering around promising quarterback Jayden Daniels for the past 2024 campaign building a legitimate offense for him. PFF believes since Robinson has been declining each season in regard to his rushing grade, the Commanders could seek to trade him and rebuild their entire running back department. Despite that, the team is bringing back Austin Ekeler to their backfield which could be an indicator that the Commanders are testing the waters.
With that, the Commanders may trade Robinson if he doesn’t improve but it shouldn’t be surprising if the team drafts a new running back either way. The draft class this year is rich at the running back position so they could do Daniels a favor and get another backfield piece to see how he performs in this offense. Originally selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Alabama product hasn’t been able to sustain an uphill production last year while losing Ekeler to a concussion in the middle of it all. It was on Daniels for the second half of the offense to make something happen.
While it doesn’t make sense to give up on Robinson early, it might be the route they could take for the Commanders to get a capable running back to maximize Daniels’ rookie contract window.
REPORT: Commanders Predicted to Trade “Best Asset” Brian Robinson Jr. – 5 Potential Destinations
Next Possible Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
The Commanders trading Robinson to the AFC makes sense since they want to avoid him joining a rival. Last season, the Chargers saw some potential in J.K. Dobbins but it wasn’t enough for Jim Harbaugh to give him a new contract. After signing Najee Harris, Harbaugh clarified what type of “hard-nosed” running back he wanted. Gus Edwards was cut, and while Robinson probably won’t start, he could fit in this scheme for size and his speed.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr is returning to the team which is infuriating fans across the board but the running back room could use some work. Alvin Kamara is one of the best runners in this league but he’s not god. He needs some type of help behind him since Kendre Miller is still learning and adjusting to the league after releasing Jamaal Williams. Robinson might be better off playing in a situational role until he could break out.
Baltimore Ravens
The same situation can apply to the Baltimore Ravens. Derrick Henry is on the same level as Kamara but given his history history, the Ravens need a capable running back to take over in case he goes down. Keaton Mitchell is nothing promising and Justice Hill is a “dump-off” runner who grabs screen passes. Robinson isn’t taking Henry’s job but these two could be a solid duo for Lamar Jackson.
Carolina Panthers
To no surprise, the Carolina Panthers are signing Rico Dowdle to a one-year deal while they wait for Jonathan Brooks to return. Chuba Hubbard got a new extension but there’s no such thing as too many running backs. If Brooks can’t stay healthy, they could consider trading for a new running back and it might be Robinson.
Kansas City Chiefs
Despite signing Elijah Mitchell to a one-year deal, the Kansas City Chiefs need a solid backup for Isiah Pacheco. Kareem Hunt is returning but he can only go as long as the gas goes off. Pacheco’s future could be in question coming off an injury for next season for the Chiefs since he’s entering his contract year. Robinson could fit in this offense and be a temporary starter if Pacheco depletes.
