The Washington Commanders announced a roster move Tuesday. The Commanders released wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks to sign tight end Anthony Firkser.
Washington announced the move on the team’s official X account.
Brooks joined the Commanders as an undrafted free agent last season. During his rookie campaign, he appeared in one contest — Week 6 versus the Chicago Bears. Brooks played seven offensive snaps and didn’t receive a target.
The wideout spent the rest of the campaign on Washington’s practice squad and injured reserve.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein commended Brooks for his size and athleticism. But the draft analyst didn’t expect the receiver to make much of an impact at the NFL level.
“[Brooks] has good size and average speed. He’s a decent athlete with the length and ball skills to have success downfield,” wrote Zierlein. “He’s not going to outrun many NFL corners on a sprint, and he’s too tight-hipped to uncover with his route-running, which is one reason for so many contested catches.
“The touchdown production and yards per catch are favorable, but Brooks might have to fight for a back-end spot on a roster.”
To replace Brooks on the roster, the Commanders signed a journeyman tight end. Firkser has posted 123 catches, 1,260 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 85 career games.
Commanders Release WR Ja’Corey Brooks
GettyThe Washington Commanders announced releasing wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks on Tuesday.
Before his release, Brooks was one of 12 wideouts on Washington’s offseason roster. The group has been one of the most scrutinized around the league for its lack of playmaking ability.
That doesn’t bode well for Brooks’ future in the league. If he wasn’t able to stay as one of the top 11 receivers in Washington this spring, it’s not clear where he might land next.
Brooks began his college career with three seasons at Alabama. In 2022, he averaged 17.3 yards per reception behind 39 catches for 674 yards with the Crimson Tide.
In one season at Louisville, Brooks broke out with even bigger numbers. He averaged 16.6 yards per catch with 61 receptions and 1,013 receiving yards during 2024.
However, it doesn’t appear that Brooks has the speed or route-running technique to experience that kind of production in the NFL.
The Commanders will move forward this offseason with its 11 other receivers on the roster. Pundits expect Terry McLaurin to lead the group with third-round rookie Antonio Williams playing a significant role.
Luke McCaffrey, Van Jefferson, Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown are four other notable receivers who could play a significant role for the Commanders this fall if the team doesn’t add more receiver help.
Washington Adds TE Anthony Firkser
GettyThe Washington Commanders added veteran tight end Anthony Firkser to their offseason roster.
In Firkser, the Commanders traded potential receiving upside for reliable experience at tight end. This fall, Firkser will be entering his ninth NFL campaign.
He’s previously played regular season games for the Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. He also had a stint with the New England Patriots during the 2023 preseason.
In his second stint with the Lions last season, Firkser posted eight catches for 53 yards while playing seven games.
Throughout his NFL career, Firkser has been more of a blocking tight end. But according to the Pro Football Focus player grades, he’s much better at pass protection than run blocking.
Firkser is now one of seven tight ends on the Commanders offseason roster. The other six include Chig Okonkwo, Ben Sinnott, Colson Yankoff, Quentin Moore, Lawrence Cager and John Bates.
Commanders Part Ways With Athletic 6-foot-3 WR to Sign Veteran TE