The Washington Commanders finally added a running back on Thursday, signing Rachaad White to a one-year deal. The move comes one day after Washington did not tender Chris Rodriguez Jr. a contract, and he quickly landed a two-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
After White’s addition, the Commanders now have two running backs under contract for 2026: White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt. That means Washington isn’t done at running back, as it carried four last season and will add at least one more to the roster.
Two former Commanders remain available, Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, but both are unlikely to return.
The good news for Washington is that it landed White on an extremely team-friendly deal. Per Greg Auman of Fox Sports, White’s deal with the Commanders is for $2 million, which could increase to $4 million with incentives.
Former Bucs RB Rachaad White’s one-year contract with the Commanders is for $2 million, with the potential for another $2 million in incentives for $4m total.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 12, 2026
While some may be split on White’s upside, that’s an incredible value for a 27-year-old running back with 2,656 rushing yards, 205 receptions, 1,450 receiving yards and 25 total touchdowns across four seasons. There’s also a built-in comfort level, as White was a college teammate with quarterback Jayden Daniels for two seasons at Arizona State, and the two are close.
For comparison’s sake, Rodriguez’s two-year deal with the Jags was for $10 million with $6.2 million guaranteed. Rodriguez has 920 rushing yards in three seasons. Next, Keaton Mitchell, who Baltimore did not tender, signed a two-year deal with the Chargers for $9.25 million with $5 million guaranteed. Mitchell’s market value was just over $1.5 million. Mitchell has 767 career rushing yards through three seasons.
So, when it comes to value, White’s contract is much more valuable than what Rodriguez and Mitchell received. That’s a great deal for GM Adam Peters. There’s no risk for a player with some upside. White can help the Commanders in the passing game, and he’s also not afraid to mix it up in pass protection.
Finally, White’s addition doesn’t keep the Commanders from selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft if he falls. Had Washington spent for a running back at the top of the market, such as Kenneth Walker III, Love would no longer have been an option.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Rachaad White’s contract is a bargain