The Cleveland Browns entered the offseason knowing they would need to spend considerable time revamping their offense. While the biggest question obviously is at the quarterback position, there are several other areas of need on this side of the ball. One spot that looks well-stocked, though, is the running back room.
After selecting both Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns seemingly have their running back duo of the future in place. That left Jerome Ford on the outside looking in for much of the previous season, and after Cleveland let him hit the open market, it sounds like he has found a new home.
Jerome Ford Signs 1-Year Contract with the Commanders
A fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Ford has spent the first four years of his career with the Browns. He didn’t play much as a rookie, but he ended up becoming the team’s starter in 2023, largely because there were few other options. Still, Ford flashed his potential, as he racked up 813 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, while also catching 44 passes for 319 yards and five more scores.
On a per carry basis, Ford was more productive in 2024, but he lost touches throughout the year. The writing was already on the wall that his role could shrink, but the additions of Judkins and Sampson confirmed that. While it seemed like Ford may begin the year as the team’s starter, he ended up earning only 24 total carries all season long.
It became pretty clear that Ford would be headed for the exit door this offseason, especially with free agency looming. He has quickly found a new home, though, as reports indicate he signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders, who also recently scooped up former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White on the open market earlier this week.
“The Commanders have agreed to terms with former Browns RB Jerome Ford, per me and Mike Garafolo, giving him a 1-year deal. He leaves Cleveland after four seasons,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported in a post on X.
What Will Jerome Ford’s Role with the Commanders Look Like?
(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)Jerome Ford #34 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during Cleveland Browns OTA offseason workouts at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 04, 2025 in Berea, Ohio.
Ford will join a running back room that features White and 2025 rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. While he didn’t always earn starting snaps, Croskey-Merrit turned in a strong season for Washington last year (175 CAR, 805 YDS, 8 TD), although he is a little bit limited as a receiver. That’s likely why Washington targeted both Ford and White, as they can make plays out of the backfield in the passing game.
Right now, it remains to be seen how this group will be utilized. The Commanders have been notorious for mixing and matching their running backs in recent years, as Croskey-Merritt split touches with Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols throughout last season. As a result, it would be wise to expect a similar split in touches to take place between Washington’s new-look running back trio in 2026.
Browns Lose Key Offensive Weapon to Commanders in Free Agency