The Washington Commanders agreed to a one-year deal with veteran running back Rachaad White on Thursday, a league source said, reuniting him with his former college quarterback, Jayden Daniels.

Washington needed to add to its rushing corps since it had only one back under contract for 2026 in Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Jeremy McNichols and Austin Ekeler are free agents, and Chris Rodriguez signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars this week.

White gives the Commanders some versatility in the backfield because of his pass-catching ability. Since 2022, when he entered the league as third-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, White has totaled 205 catches (third-most among running backs), 1,450 receiving yards (sixth) and 11 receiving touchdowns (fourth).

White also provides some familiarity.

He was teammates with Daniels for two years at Arizona State, and even seemed to hint at a possible reunion on social media. In January he posted a photo on his Instagram account that said “Uno out” with a thank you to Bucs fans. Included in the post were multiple images of him and Daniels at ASU.

White is the second skill player Washington has added in free agency, joining tight end Chig Okonkwo, and he surely won’t be the last. The team needs to add more to its running backs room as well as its receiving corps.

In four seasons with the Buccaneers, White put up 4,106 yards from scrimmage. He is one of two players in Bucs history to top double digits in career rushing touchdowns (14) and receiving touchdowns (11). After fumbling multiple times in each of his first three seasons, White cleaned up ball security issues in 2025, finishing without a fumble.

White was ranked as the No. 4 free-agent running back in The Athletic’s top 150, and 68th overall.

How he fits

The Commanders want more balance in all facets of their offense, not simply the run-pass split. But improving their run game and finding that reliable, consistent back is a must. Finding help, period, at running back is a must, too.

The team has only one other back under contract, in Croskey-Merritt. McNichols and Ekeler are both free agents. The Commanders think highly of Croskey-Merritt, but he’s still young and developing, especially in the pass game.

White has the experience — on the field as both a runner and pass catcher, and with Daniels. The familiarity could make for a more seamless transition as they get up to speed with David Blough’s system.

2026 roster impact

The Commanders needed to add a back. They need to sign more. Once White passes his physical and officially signs, he and Bill will be the only two under contract.

Cap update

A one-year deal for a veteran running back will have little impact on the Commanders’ salary cap, considering how much space the team had coming into the season and how they’ve since allocated it.

Nicki Jhabvala’s takeaway

White just makes sense. The Commanders need help in the run game, he’s familiar with Daniels, he’s still only 27 and his production in the pass game fits in among the elite running backs since 2022; his 205 catches and 11 receiving touchdowns rank third and fourth, respectively, among backs in that span.

White is coming off an injury-riddled season, but he still played in all 17 games and tied his career-best by averaging 4.3 yards per carry.