March 13, 2026, 4:50 p.m. ET
The Washington Commanders hadn’t signed a wide receiver all week in free agency despite a glaring need. It wasn’t for a lack of trying, as the Commanders were in the bidding for Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs before they signed elsewhere. So, on Friday, Washington reunited with former third-round pick Dyami Brown. Shortly afterward, the Commanders also agreed to a one-year deal with veteran wideout Van Jefferson.
Jefferson, 28, played collegiately at Ole Miss and Florida before the Los Angeles Rams drafted him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. After spending his first three full seasons with the Rams, he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons during the 2023 season. In 2024, Jefferson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he spent last season with the Tennessee Titans.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder is the son of former longtime NFL receiver Shawn Jefferson, who is now the wide receivers coach for the New York Jets.
Jefferson’s best NFL season came in 2021 when he started all 17 games, recording 50 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns. In his six-year NFL career, Jefferson has 166 receptions, 2,226 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
Jefferson’s signing is about depth and competition for the Commanders and does not impact a potential signing of 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk when he becomes available. It also does impact Washington’s draft strategy with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.