Commanders seeking a specific type of running back in 2026

It's no secret that the Washington Commanders will look for another running back this offseason. Only Jacory Croskey-Merritt is under contract for 2026. Croskey-Merritt, aka Bill, was a seventh-round steal in the 2025 NFL Draft, rushing for 805 yards, a team-high eight touchdowns and averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.

However, he's the only running back under contract for 2026. Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols are unrestricted free agents, while Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a restricted free agent. Ekeler is not expected back, but the team would like to retain McNichols and Rodriguez. They want and need more, though.

Matthew Berry of Fantasy Life revealed the type of running back the Commanders desire when he was Indianapolis at the 2026 NFL combine last week.

I’m told the Washington Commanders “want a thumper” and by that I mean a true early-down star running back. They felt like once Austin Ekeler went down last year, the run game struggled. They think Chris Rodriguez is a nice back but don’t like him in the passing game, and they clearly found something in Jacory Croskey-Merritt aka BILL but think of him more as a “2 or a 3” than a true lead back. My guess is the running back who leads Washington in touches next year isn’t currently on their roster.

Kenneth Walker III and Breece Hall are the top free-agent running backs. The Jets are expected to place the franchise tag on Hall, meaning Walker is alone at the top. However, there are several good backs in free agency this year, including Travis Etienne, Rico Dowdle, Tyler Allgeier, Rachaad White, Kenneth Gainwell and J.K. Dobbins. All could help Washington.

But if you look at that list, one name stands out: Allgeier. The 25-year-old back has been Bijan Robinson's backup for the past two seasons. He's more than earned a starting role. Allgeier has missed one game in four seasons, went over 1,000 yards rushing as a rookie and has 2,876 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. The Commanders plan to run more outside zone under offensive coordinator David Blough, which is perfect for Allgeier. He's the perfect runner for that scheme, and he can also bring the power element that Washington reportedly seeks.

Allgeier won't break the bank, either. Spotrac lists his value at $5.7 million per season and projects a three-year, $17 million contract. He will earn more than that, but far less than Walker.

When free agency begins next week, Allgeier should be at the top of the Commanders' wish list.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Seeking a specific type of RB in 2026