Washington Commanders Face Running Back Dilemma After Chris Rodriguez Jr. Becomes Free Agent
The NFL league year has officially begun, and teams are finalizing signings and trades that were agreed upon during the offseason and the legal tampering window. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., who was a restricted free agent, did not receive a tender or a new contract before becoming a free agent. The lowest tender amount for a restricted free agent this season is $3.52 million for the right of first refusal tender.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. started his NFL career as an undrafted free agent from Kentucky signed by the Commanders after the 2023 draft. He had a significant season last year with 112 rushes for 500 yards and 6 touchdowns. With Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. no longer on the team, Rodriguez was a key player in the running back room alongside rookie Bill Croskey-Merritt and veteran Jeremy McNichols.
Now that Rodriguez, Ekeler, and McNichols are free agents, the Commanders will need to address the running back position. Washington has focused on defensive signings in free agency, but they will likely need to make moves at running back and wide receiver soon. If they don't find what they need in free agency, they have the upcoming draft with six picks to potentially address their needs.