It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders will be looking for another running back this offseason. Only Jacory Croskey-Merritt is under contract through 2026. Croskey-Merritt, also known as Bill, is a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft who rushed for 805 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
However, he is the only running back under contract through 2026. Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols are unrestricted free agents, while Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a restricted free agent. Ekeler is not expected to return, but the team hopes to retain Mike Nichols and Rodriguez. But they want and need more.
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Fantasy Life’s Matthew Berry revealed the type of running back the GM wants while attending the 2026 NFL combine last week in Indianapolis.
I’m told Washington’s GM “wants a slugger,” and by that I mean a true early star running back. They felt like the running game struggled last year after Austin Ekeler went down. They thought Chris Rodriguez was a good back but didn’t like what he did in the passing game, and they clearly saw something in Jakoli Kroski-Merritt (aka Bill) but considered him more of a “2 or 3” than a true lead back. My guess is that Washington’s leading running back in touches next year is not currently on their roster.
Kenneth Walker III and Breece Hall are the top free agent running backs. The Jets are expected to place the franchise tag on Hall, meaning Walker is alone at the top of the list. However, there are several quality linebackers on the free agent market this year, including Travis Etienne, Rico Dowdell, Tyler Allgaier, Rashard White, Kenneth Gainwell and JK Dobbins. Everything helps Washington.
But if you look at the list, one name stands out: Algaier. The 25-year-old guard has served as Bejan Robinson’s backup for the past two seasons. He didn’t just earn the starting role. Allgaier, who has missed one game in four seasons, rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a rookie and currently has 2,876 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Commanders plan to run more outside areas under offensive coordinator David Braff, which would be perfect for Allgaier. He’s the perfect executioner for the scheme, and he could also bring that element of power that Washington is reportedly looking for.
Allgaier won’t break the bank, either. Spotrac lists him as worth $5.7 million per season and is scheduled to sign a three-year, $17 million contract. He’ll make more than that, but far less than Walker.
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When free agency begins next week, Allgaier should be at the top of the Commander’s list.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Looking for a specific type of RB in 2026
