One area the Washington Commanders definitely need to address this offseason is running back.
Not only did Jacory Croskey-Merritt fail to cement himself as the definitive long-term answer at the position, Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols are slated to be unrestricted free agents, and Chris Rodriguez is a restricted free agent.
Washington needs more firepower in general around quarterback Jayden Daniels in order to put him in a better position to succeed in 2026 while also taking some of the load off his shoulders.
In order to address their need at running back, ESPN's Aaron Schatz predicts the Commanders will sign New York Jets running back Breece Hall.
Big prediction for the offseason: The Commanders will make a big splash by signing running back Breece Hall, a talented rusher and receiver who will be just 25 years old next season. Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt didn't end up taking the league by storm, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Wasn't spectacular either. Washington finished 21st in run offense DVOA through Week 17 this season.
Hall is a pending free agent and Spotrac projects he will land a four-year, $40.9 million deal in free agency. Loaded with a projected $79.4 million in cap space, Washington can easily make that work.
But Hall has to get to free agency first for the Commanders to have a chance to sign him, and that isn't guaranteed to happen because the Jets could either re-sign him or utilize the franchise tag.
ESPN's Rich Cimini reports that all indications are the Jets "remain very interested in retaining Hall."
But, as we know, it takes two to tango and the feeling might not be mutual from Hall's end after all the losing he has experienced in New York.
If Hall doesn't want to come back, the Jets could still utilize the franchise tag and then turn around and trade him.
That would obviously greatly complicate things for the Commanders, who would then have to give up draft capital before signing him to a long-term deal.
But going through all that to acquire Hall might be worth it for Washington.
The Jets running back is a true difference-maker at the position with his ability to take games over, both as a rusher and receiver, and that would take a ton of the pressure off Daniels, who wouldn't have to do as much.
Hall also adds an explosive element thanks to his ability to make house calls from anywhere on the field and Washington's offense could certainly use the kind of jolt the veteran can provide.
Hall managed to tally 1,000 yards on the ground in 2025 despite being on arguably the worst offense in the NFL. Imagine what he could do if he joins a more competent offense, which the Commanders have.
Investing heavily in a running back is always a risky bet in this day and age, but when it comes to Hall, it makes sense for the Commanders to do so.
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