Chris Rodriguez Jr. – Commanders RB

David Blough acknowledged that the Washington Commanders need more at the running back position next season. He wants more stability and explosiveness within the room. Jacory Croskey-Merritt has a role to play, but it seems as if all bets are off for the rest.

Most fans thought Chris Rodriguez Jr. would get another go-around with the franchise. The 2023 sixth-round pick still might, and it’s pretty easy to keep him around. Even so, Blough’s comments were enough to throw some doubt on this possible outcome.

Rodriguez once again flashed promise as an aggressive runner in 2025. His contact balance continues to progress, and he looks far more comfortable when significant responsibilities come his way. He’ll never be an elite runner, but he’s consistent enough.

The Kentucky product is an exclusive rights free agent, so the Commanders could tender an offer. But if Blough doesn’t see a role for him, Washington will move on.

Nick Bellore – Commanders LB

The Commanders’ roster is old; very old. It was the oldest in the league last season, and they played like it. Getting more dynamic should be the primary objective for general manager Adam Peters with the resources at Washington’s disposal this offseason.

For all of Washington’s faults last season, the special-teams unit performed well. Nick Bellore was a big part of that, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll get the chance to stick around on the final year of his deal.

Bellore offers nothing on the linebacker rotation. He’ll be 37 before the 2026 campaign, and the Commanders have several exciting young depth pieces who can provide energy on special teams.

Washington doesn’t need the $1.95 million it would save by cutting the two-time Pro Bowler with one year remaining on his deal. However, the projected upcoming youth movement makes his situation extremely precarious.

Jacob Martin – Commanders DE/OLB

Daronte Jones is planning to move forward with a more explosive, physical, and creative defense. The alignments will be interchanging, but there will be an emphasis on speed and violence. After how things unfolded for this unit during the two years under Joe Whitt Jr., no fan should be complaining about that.

Jones is projected to switch the Commanders into a 3-4 base front, which will be adaptable depending on the situation. General manager Adam Peters must significantly enhance the personnel to ensure these changes go well. Very few should consider their roles safe.

Jacob Martin is an interesting case. He’s nowhere near big enough to be a 3-4 defensive end. Still, he could end up being a solid rotational 3-4 outside linebacker. He’s not a world-beater by any stretch of the imagination, but he could get another one-year deal if the money works.

Martin’s inability to set clean edges against the run is a problem. If the Commanders can find an upgrade, they should.