The Washington Commanders are continuing to bolster their running back room during 2026 NFL free agency.
The Commanders have agreed to a one-year contract with veteran Jerome Ford, according to multiple reports.
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Ford spent his first four seasons with the Cleveland Browns after being selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Cincinnati product’s best season came in 2023 – when he started a career-best 12 games and posted 1,132 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns – but aside from that, he was mostly a backup.
Ford was used sparingly as a runner in 2025, getting just 24 carries while playing behind Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. He generated just 73 rushing yards, his lowest since his rookie season, when he tallied just eight carries.
That said, Ford posted at least 26 receptions for a third consecutive season. His pass-catching skills could give him a path toward playing time in Washington, which also signed veteran running back Rachaad White to a one-year free agent deal.
Here’s what to know about Ford’s fit with the Commanders.
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2026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, trades
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2026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, tradesJerome Ford contract details
The terms of Ford’s deal with the Commanders have not yet been disclosed. All that is presently known is that the running back will play on a one-year deal in Washington.
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Jerome Ford stats
Ford has posted well-rounded numbers during his career while averaging a respectable 4.3 yards per carry. Below is a look at his stats from his four seasons in Cleveland:
How does Jerome Ford fit with the Commanders?
Ford will provide the Commanders with much-needed depth at the running back position.
Washington entered the 2026 NFL offseason with just one running back under contract for 2026: Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt. The team now has three under contract after inking one-year deals with Ford and White.
The Commanders used a committee approach at running back in 2025, with Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. leading the charge after Austin Ekeler suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. Should Dan Quinn and new offensive coordinator David Blough take a similar approach in 2026, Ford will have a chance to battle for playing time.
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That said, Ford seems likely to find himself at No. 3 overall on Washington’s depth chart. Croskey-Merritt figures to get plenty of chances as the between-the-tackles after totaling 805 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries as a rookie. Meanwhile, White has averaged 51.25 receptions per season during his four-year career and was Pro Football Focus‘ 16th-graded pass blocker at running back last season.
While Ford may not see ample playing time to start his stint with the Commanders, his well-rounded skill set makes him ideal depth for the team. If either Croskey-Merritt or White is injured, Ford could step into the role and provide a proven, experienced veteran on whom Blough can lean.
That makes Ford an ideal addition for Washington, especially on what figures to be a cheap, one-year contract.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jerome Ford contract: Commanders, RB agree to one-year deal