{"id":128064,"date":"2025-06-14T01:28:20","date_gmt":"2025-06-14T01:28:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/128064\/"},"modified":"2025-06-14T01:28:20","modified_gmt":"2025-06-14T01:28:20","slug":"wft-news-washington-commanders-news-links-44","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/128064\/","title":{"rendered":"WFT News: Washington Commanders News Links"},"content":{"rendered":"

Commanders links
\nArticles
\nFront Office Sports
\n$3.8B Commanders Stadium Deal at Risk Over Political Rift<\/a><\/p>\n

The $3.8 billion proposal for a new Commanders stadium has devolved into a political back-and-forth between the District of Columbia\u2019s top two officials.<\/p>\n

Less than two months after first completing the stadium deal with Commanders owner Josh Harris, D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser said that delays by the D.C. Council to approve the latest budget are already imperiling a plan for the facility targeted for a 2030 opening.<\/p>\n

\u201cA delay sacrifices our exclusive seat at the table and $2.7 million in private investment,\u201d Bowser said. \u201cThe Commanders and my team are ready to iron out the details with the Council and respond to any concerns. It should be clear, but let me emphasize: If the Council strips the deal terms or budgeted dollars from the budget, it kills our agreement with the Commanders.\u201d<\/p>\n

The agreement between Bowser and the Commanders does require preliminary approval of the stadium plan by July 15, at which point the team would be able to talk with other jurisdictions. Neighboring Maryland and Virginia have made separate pushes toward a new stadium, but never got as far in negotiations as D.C. <\/p>\n

D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson, already a skeptic<\/a> of the $1.1 billion in public support targeted for the Commanders stadium and related infrastructure, called Bowser\u2019s comments inaccurate. He also said, despite the language in the stadium deal, there is more time to work with than what Bowser suggests.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Commanders have said the earliest they would need the District\u2019s money and go to the bond markets to finance construction is next summer,\u201d Mendelson said. \u201cWe will work within the Commanders\u2019 2030 timetable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Part of the backdrop of the political battle between the two officials is Bowser\u2019s late May delivery of a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, weeks later than expected and a particular source of public frustration for Mendelson, as he claimed it has unduly compressed the Council\u2019s legislative work to fund the upcoming year. <\/p>\n

Commanders.com
\nMinicamp notebook | Coaches tell Commanders to stay prepared for their moment<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Neither Jayden Daniels nor Marcus Mariota participated in the 11-on-11 periods, leaving Sam Hartman and Josh Johnson to lead the offense during the period. Hartman had his moments, like when he tossed a touchdown to Luke McCaffrey, but he also threw an interception to Car\u2019Lin Vigers near the goal line.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Noah Brown left practice Wednesday with an undisclosed injury and did not return for the rest of the day. He also didn\u2019t participate in Thursday\u2019s practice, and when asked about his status, Quinn didn\u2019t have an update other than to say Brown was supposed to get an MRI.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Quinn said running back Chris Rodriguez has \u201creally applied himself\u201d to the suggestions he and the rest of Washington\u2019s staff given him this offseason. Rodriguez was elevated to the active roster at various points in 2024 and had strong moments but could not hold onto an active roster spot. Quinn wants Rodriguez to be \u201cat his absolute best\u201d so he can compete in what Quinn called a \u201ccrowded\u201d running back room. Being in the best shape possible might help him stand out and earn a consistent spot in the rotation.<\/p>\n

Commanders.com
\n\u2018A true Commander\u2019: Reaves inks extension with Washington<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just filled with gratitude, man,\u201d Reaves told reporters after Wednesday\u2019s minicamp practice. \u201cI was just talking to some of the young guys and telling them if you take anything from me, just understand that the turtle does win the race.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reaves, a 2018 undrafted free agent who originally signed with the Philadelphia Eagles before joining Washington\u2019s practice squad later that year, has become a fixture of the Commanders\u2019 roster after years of waiting for his opportunity. He spent four seasons going through a cycle of being released, added to the practice squad and elevated to the active roster before finally making roster cuts ahead of the 2022 season.<\/p>\n

Reaves went on to become one of the best special teams players in the league. He finished the 2022 season with a career-high 33 tackles, 17 of which came as a special teams player. He finished second in the league in terms of special teams tackles and was selected to the Pro Bowl on top of getting First Team All-Pro consideration from the Associated Press and NFLPA.<\/p>\n

Reaves had another solid campaign in his first season playing under head coach Dan Quinn, recording 20 tackles and a forced fumble. When asked about the extension, Quinn started by saying, \u201cThat honestly makes me smile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a true Commander, one of our heavy hitters and an absolute all around BMF, in every way,\u201d Quinn added. \u201cIt\u2019s no surprise he was elected one of the captains when the postseason began but he affects all sides of the ball.\u201d<\/p>\n

Riggo\u2019s Rag
\nMichael Gallup\u2019s hamstring strain could put his Commanders\u2019 chances in doubt<\/a><\/p>\n

Gallup was absent from Commanders\u2019 minicamp on both Monday and Tuesday as he tended to what is being reported as a strained hamstring. It\u2019s unclear when or how the veteran suffered this complication, but it\u2019s not good news for either the player or the team.<\/p>\n

The Commanders brought him in as a low-risk flyer, with no expectations of playing anything more than a backup role and no guarantee that he would even make the roster<\/a>. It was simply a shot in the dark to provide the former Cowboy with an opportunity to get another shot in the pros.<\/p>\n

That said, the Commanders are thinner than expected at wide receiver right now. Not only has McLaurin been absent, but Noah Brown was carted off the field on Tuesday<\/a> with an undisclosed injury. That, along with Gallup\u2019s issue, means that Washington\u2019s top available receivers are currently Samuel, Lane, and 2024 third-round pick Luke McCaffrey.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not ideal. And for Gallup, it feels like a missed opportunity.<\/p>\n

The Draft Network
\nCommanders\u2019 2025 Make Or Break Player: Brandon Coleman<\/a><\/p>\n

Coleman is now tasked with making a successful transition from tackle to guard. A failed experiment could see him lose his standing as a Commanders\u2019 starting offensive lineman. Good thing Coleman possesses the skills required to develop into a quality blocker inside.<\/p>\n

Coleman worked specifically at left guard during OTAs and again at the first practice of mandatory minicamp. Coleman did have some experience playing across the interior in college.<\/p>\n

Now that the Commanders are moving Coleman to his best predicted position, he\u2019ll face a make-or-break year at left guard. Last year\u2019s starter in that role was Nick Allegretti, who played 99 percent of Kliff Kingsbury\u2019s offensive snaps. The Commanders are placing Coleman in that spot, possibly demoting Allegretti to reserve swing lineman.<\/p>\n

However, Allegretti could potentially compete with Andrew Wylie, who is also making the full-time transition from tackle to guard, for the right-sided interior role. Guard Nate Herbig is also in that mix. Regular starter Sam Cosmi suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury in the divisional round matchup with the Detroit Lions. The lateness of that setback threatens to derail the start of his 2025 season.<\/p>\n

Podcasts & videos<\/p>\n

Episode 1,093 – Commanders Minicamp report:
– Noah Brown carted off field
– Jeremy Reaves extension
– Marshon Lattimore opens up
– Dan Quinn on having so many players in contract seasons<\/p>\n

Also, interesting info I got on potential Skins throwback uniforms.https:\/\/t.co\/jJrsw5Yteq<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) June 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Interesting question – the Commanders coaches believe Lattimore and Kinlaw are studs. If they’re right, how good can this defense be? New All Ears is live – https:\/\/t.co\/8R6xvofGTD<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) June 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

NFC East links
\nPro Football Talk
\nDak Prescott: I want to win a championship for my personal being, my sanity<\/a><\/p>\n

The Cowboys quarterback has a 2-5 postseason record and has never advanced past the divisional round despite being the No. 1 seed in 2016. The franchise won its last championship in 1995.<\/p>\n

Winning a championship is personal for Prescott.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to win a championship<\/a>,\u201d Prescott said, via Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. \u201cThe legacy, whatever comes after I finish playing, will take care of itself. I want to win a championship. Be damned if it\u2019s just for my legacy or if it\u2019s for this team. It\u2019s for my personal being, for my sanity. The legacy will take care of itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prescott is returning from a torn right hamstring, which ended his 2024 season in Week 9. <\/p>\n

NFL league links
\nArticles<\/p>\n

The Athletic (paywall)
\nNFL executive Brian Rolapp leaving for PGA Tour CEO position<\/a><\/p>\n

Brian Rolapp of the NFL is expected to be announced soon as the PGA Tour\u2019s new CEO, sources confirmed to The Athletic. Jay Monahan, the current commissioner of the PGA Tour, will remain in his role, but Rolapp, who has held various executive positions at the NFL since 2003, will lead the tour\u2019s new for-profit arm, PGA Tour Enterprises.<\/p>\n

He has held his current role since 2014, and many believed he could be Goodell\u2019s successor as NFL commissioner.<\/p>\n

Goodell\u2019s contract has been extended again, as The Athletic reported last month<\/a>, making it a logical step for Rolapp to seek experience elsewhere and demonstrate his ability to direct the future of a major sports organization. The PGA Tour CEO role is a newly created position.<\/p>\n

ESPN
\nShemar Stewart leaves Bengals minicamp amid contract dispute<\/a><\/p>\n

Bengals rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart left Cincinnati\u2019s mandatory minicamp Thursday amid a contract dispute.<\/p>\n

Stewart, the Bengals\u2019 first-round draft selection, has not participated in any of the team\u2019s offseason workouts. According to a source, the dispute is centered on interpretation of language in the contract that could affect guaranteed money.<\/p>\n

Stewart isn\u2019t the only Bengals pass rusher trying to iron out a contract situation.<\/p>\n

Trey Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro selection last season, skipped the entire mandatory minicamp as he seeks a long-term contract extension. He has said he has no intention of playing out the final year of his current deal.<\/p>\n

Pro Football Talk
\nImpasse between Bengals and Shemar Stewart comes down to one specific contract detail<\/a><\/p>\n

The Bengals and Stewart are haggling over language regarding the potential voiding of his future guarantees.<\/p>\n

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Bengals want to include a phrase that causes a default in the current year to trigger a default in all remaining years. The problem is that the contract signed by last year\u2019s first-round pick, tackle Amarius Mims, does not not include the language that the Bengals are now attempting to insert into Stewart\u2019s deal. And Mims was taken one spot lower in 2024 (No. 18) than Stewart was picked in 2025 (No. 17).<\/p>\n

The key phrase, we\u2019re told, also doesn\u2019t appear in contracts signed earlier this year by receiver Ja\u2019Marr Chase and receiver Tee Higgins.<\/p>\n

So, basically, the Bengals hope to pivot from their existing contractual language regarding the voiding of guarantees to new language, with Stewart\u2019s contract being the first one to get it. One one hand, the Bengals should be able to change their policies and procedures. Every business at some point does. On the other hand, in an industry where the contracts for the key employees develop a clear pattern and practice, it\u2019s not typical to make a sudden shift to a new way of doing things.<\/p>\n

It would be easy for the Bengals to justify the change by saying, \u201cWell, other teams use contracts that apply a default in one year to all remaining years.\u201d However, other teams pay out more of the signing bonus up front, too.<\/p>\n

Discussion topics
\nFront Office Sports
\nNFLPA Reignites Grass-Turf Debate Ahead of Club World Cup<\/a><\/p>\n

The NFLPA has lobbied for years for teams to change the playing surface at stadiums from turf to grass.<\/p>\n

The Club World Cup might be struggling to sell tickets<\/a>, but at least it got the attention of the NFL Players Association. <\/p>\n

The union weighed in on the installation of a grass field at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey ahead of its hosting of the preliminary rounds.<\/p>\n

The NFLPA\u2019s crusade to get all of the league\u2019s stadiums switched from turf to grass has been years in the making. Players prefer it, though the league disputes that data show any difference in safety. Major international men\u2019s tournaments require grass, which is in about half of NFL stadiums. But the temporary grass isn\u2019t perfect either: The new surface for the Copa America at Atlanta\u2019s Mercedes-Benz Stadium was criticized for being bumpy<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Next summer, seven NFL stadiums will have to make the temporary switch from turf to grass in order to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The World Cup has long been a rallying cry for the NFLPA to point out that team owners can switch the playing surface at their stadiums if they really wanted to. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll remind everyone that just saying \u2018it can\u2019t be done<\/a>,\u2019 or \u2018we\u2019re not going to do it,\u2019 well, you\u2019re doing it,\u201d NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell previously told Front Office Sports at the NFL Scouting Combine. <\/p>\n

All aTwitter<\/p>\n

Offseason program = complete<\/p>\n

\u2014 Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Laying the foundation<\/p>\n

\u2014 Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Part of this is incorrect. Terry McLaurin DID attend early portions of the offseason program (phases 1 and 2) before skipping on-field work (phase 3). <\/p>\n

Bottom line: No reason for panic unless the sides remain far apart when training camp begins\/starts. https:\/\/t.co\/2CxeFck02J<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Terry McLaurin has accounted for 31.2% of his team’s receiving yards since entering the league<\/p>\n

Jefferson: 35.2% ($35M)
Chase: 31.5% ($40M)
AJ Brown: 31.8% ($32M)<\/p>\n

MCLAURIN: 31.2% ($23M)<\/p>\n

Lamb: 30.4% ($34M)
Hill: 29.2% ($30M)
St. Brown: 28.5% ($30M)
Metcalf: 26.7% ($33M) pic.twitter.com\/eyRNRu1nGd<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 RefTheDistrict (@RefTheDistrict) June 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Per the arrest warrant: Antonio Brown allegedly punched a man, then appeared to grab a security guard\u2019s gun and fire two shots as he ran toward the man. The victim said he was grazed in the neck. Surveillance and cellphone video appear to capture the altercation.<\/p>\n

Brown was\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/jRLYAxBzl4<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/tOw8TVobsP<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 13, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n