The Washington Commanders are scrambling to reshape their backfield following the devastating injury to Austin Ekeler. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed earlier this week that the veteran back suffered a season-ending torn Achilles, leaving the offense without its top running back.
To counter the loss, Washington is bringing in former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos running back Chase Edmonds, per multiple reports. According to Pro Football Rumors, the deal was agreed to earlier this week, and Edmonds is expected to join the active roster at some point in the future.
The signing follows Washington’s quick workout of depth options, but Edmonds stood out as a player with both versatility and experience. Sports Illustrated noted that Edmonds signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Miami Dolphins back in 2022, evidence of how valuable his services were just a few short years ago.
Why Chase Edmonds Could Be a Sleeper Impact
On the surface, this appears to be a stopgap measure. But Edmonds brings traits that may fit perfectly with what offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury wants to do.
Edmonds has always flashed as a dual-threat option. During his best season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, he logged 903 yards from scrimmage, including 43 receptions. Injuries and depth-chart battles have slowed his career since, but the ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver remains intact.
That could be especially valuable for an offense led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, who thrives on quick decision-making and designed checkdowns when pressured. Edmonds’ pass-catching reliability could help stabilize Washington’s offense while the line continues to gel.
Additionally, the Commanders’ current running back room relies on young talent, featuring rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols, and running back Chris Rodriguez, who stands out as a physical runner between the tackles. Edmonds provides a change-of-pace style — quicker, shiftier, and more useful in space — that balances out the rotation.
Lessons From His Past Stops
Edmonds’ NFL journey hasn’t been a linear one. After four productive seasons in Arizona, he was signed by Miami to be their lead back in 2022, but never found his footing. He was traded to Denver midseason and later latched on with Tampa Bay, where injuries again limited his ability to establish a consistent role.
Still, flashes of his old form remained. When given opportunities in space, Edmonds showed the same burst and vision that made him a sought-after free agent just a few years ago. For Washington, the hope is that reduced pressure — and a defined situational role — could unlock that version again.
Low Expectations, High Upside
At 28, Edmonds doesn’t arrive with the fanfare or playmaking ability of Ekeler. But that also means expectations are modest, giving him a chance to quietly carve out a role. The Pewter Plank pointed out that Edmonds never fully lived up to his billing in Tampa Bay, yet his skill set is still intriguing in the right system.
If Kingsbury can scheme Edmonds into favorable matchups — swing passes, draws, and spread looks — Washington may discover a reliable contributor hiding in plain sight.
For a Commanders team that just suffered a crushing loss at running back, Chase Edmonds could become one of the more important under-the-radar additions of the season.
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