The Washington Commanders are coming off a historic season courtesy of Jayden Daniels. After reaching the NFC Championship game in 2024-25, they have set their sights on making the Super Bowl in the 2025-26 campaign.
Washington added talent on both sides of the ball during the offseason. However, while they need as much depth as possible to push for a championship, the running back position could see some subtractions. That includes an All-Pro runner and kick returner who helped fuel their playoff run.
Washington Commanders Predicted To Cut All-Pro Kick Returner
PFSN’s Jacob Infante released his list of one cut candidate for every team and named former Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler as the player most expendable for the Commanders. Ekeler ran, received, and returned kicks on special teams for Washington, but the franchise can save over $3.4 million by cutting him if they trust the younger players behind him on the depth chart.
“Austin Ekeler didn’t come close to leading the NFL in scrimmage touchdowns last year like he did in both 2021 and 2022,” Infante wrote. “He did, however, carve out a nice niche for himself in the Washington Commanders’ offense as a receiving back and a second-team All-Pro kick returner.
“However, Ekeler turned 30 this offseason, and the Commanders would save over $3.4 million by cutting him. They have young backs like Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez in the wings, and players like Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane could push for the returner spot.”
The veteran performed well in both receiving and rushing roles during the 2024-25 season. He carried the ball 77 times for 367 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, while also catching 35 passes for 366 receiving yards. This maintained his reputation as a reliable pass-catching threat out of the backfield.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Washington utilized Ekeler’s versatility by adding kick-return duties to his responsibilities. He finished the season with 594 kickoff return yards on 19 returns across 12 games, earning second-team All-Pro honors for his special teams work.
We got FLAMED for signing a “washed” Austin Ekeler.
Looks like he hasn’t lost a step. 4 REC for 52 yards on Sunday.
pic.twitter.com/MuDREbGI4F— 🚀 DC Rising 🚀 (@DC__Rising) September 12, 2024
Who Could Replace Austin Ekeler in Washington’s Backfield?
Ekeler signed a two-year contract worth $8.34 million with the Commanders in 2024. While his production numbers show he has largely lived up to that investment, his scrimmage yards and touchdowns were the second lowest of his career.
The reality is that running backs tend to slow down once they hit their 30s. Although Ekeler still has some juice left in him, Washington has promising players on the roster who could step into his role.
Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round rookie, had an outstanding college career and ran for over 1,100 yards in 2023. Meanwhile, Rodriguez hasn’t played many snaps yet in the NFL, but the third-year back has recorded 420 yards and four touchdowns on 86 carries.
For kick return duties, the Commanders can turn to McCaffrey, a second-year veteran, or Lane, a former Virginia Tech receiver.
Neither player has as impressive a resume as Ekeler on special teams, but both are capable of handling his 594 kick return yards from the 2024-25 season. This depth makes the veteran a legitimate cut candidate as Washington looks to manage their salary cap.
