Would the Washington Commanders actually go into 2026 starting Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt at running back?
Prior to free agency beginning this 2026 offseason, numerous reports indicated that the Commanders were looking for a dependable running back who could carry the load. One report even said the Commanders wanted to sign a thumper.
That did not come to fruition. The Commanders apparently did not push that often, attempting to sign running backs. But we do know they have gone out and signed two running backs who can both make this team next season, each in a decidedly different role.
Running back Austin Ekeler is recovering from a torn Achilles, and the Commanders are moving forward without him, no doubt wishing Ekeler the best, but at his age, they needed to go younger. So they signed Rachaad White, formerly of the Tampa Bay Bucs. No doubt, they are planning on White succeeding Ekeler in the role of a receiver out of the backfield and a third down type of back.
Jerome Ford (from the Browns) is the other new running back in the Commanders’ fold. Ford, who turns 27 in September, has 340 rushing attempts thus far in his NFL career. So he is nowhere close to worn down from overuse. Yet, Ford has averaged 4.3 a carry and scored 7 touchdowns. In his last two NFL seasons, Ford had 813 yards (4.0 YPC) in 2023 and 565 yards (5.4 YPC) in 2024. He can bring it between the tackles as a physical runner. Therefore, Peters has done a fine job bringing in Ford, who can spell “Bill”, if and when necessary, and White replacing Ekeler.
Experience is not an issue for Ford, having four NFL seasons under his belt. Then there is Jeremy McNichols, who was also re-signed to a one-year deal. McNichols is physical, can play the third-down role, and is happy to play special teams.
If the Commanders do not choose running back Jeremiyah Love in the first round (7th overall), there remains the possibility that if one is still available when the Commanders are on the clock, they might select one if they feel he could contribute. More on those possibilities as we move closer to the draft.
#Commanders Bill Croskey-Merritt was truly outstanding on 1st downs
A 1st down play is considered a “success” if the offense gains at least 40% of yards needed for a 1st down. The LA Rams led the NFL in 1st down rushing success rate at 45.7%
Bill finished at 50.4%
Putting your… pic.twitter.com/j7174CY0yu
— Full Command (@CommandersHtt) March 20, 2026
Finally, Croskey_Merritt performed well on first down in his rookie season. This leads one to anticipate he is capable of developing into an increasingly dependable back. Consider the fact that a 1st down play is considered a “success” if the offense gains at least 40% of the yards needed for a 1st down. The LA Rams led the NFL in 1st down rushing success rate at 45.7%. Croskey-Merritt rushed on first down at 50.4% success rate. That’s very promising, so don’t count out “Bill” just yet.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: What do they think of Jacory Croskey-Merritt?