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Commanders Predicted to Add 1,100-Yard Rusher to RB Rotation

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 22:57 GMT by Heavy.com
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NFL Free‑Agent Shuffle: Deebo Samuel, Jacory Croskey, Merritt, and Brian Robinson Headline Washington Commanders‑Focused Round‑Up

The Washington Commanders have long been a fixture in the headlines for their ongoing roster puzzle, but this week’s “Commanders‑Focused” edition of Heavy turns the spotlight on four players who are either in limbo or in the middle of a potential next‑step. Deebo Samuel, the former 49er star; Jacory Croskey, the Browns’ former cornerback; “Merritt,” a defensive‑line presence who has recently found himself on the move; and Brian Robinson, the Lions’ running back who was just cut. All four have the potential to shape not just the Commanders’ depth charts but the entire NFL landscape as teams look to re‑bundle talent on a budget‑conscious payroll.

1. Deebo Samuel – 49er Superstar on the Free‑Agent Market

When the 2024 offseason kicked off, Deebo Samuel’s name was on the front page of any list of “who could be next.” The 33‑year‑old wide‑receiver‑running‑back combo was out of contract after a 4‑year, $60 million deal signed in 2020, and the 49ers have been in limbo over whether to re‑sign him. While the franchise announced a “re‑evaluation” of their 2024 roster in late May, no official offer had been made.

Samuel’s 2023 campaign was a case study in adversity. An early season ACL injury sidelined him for months, and when he returned he was hampered by lingering soreness and a nagging hip issue. Those setbacks forced the 49ers to shift focus toward a younger, more durable skill‑position roster. Even so, Samuel’s talent is undeniable—his 2022 season (1,120 yards and 13 touchdowns) earned him a Pro Bowl nod and a league‑best touchdown return average for a receiver.

Commanders analyst Drew “The Eagle” Davis noted that Washington’s own wide‑receiver depth could use a player with Samuel’s playmaking ability, especially as the team has struggled to find a “wide‑out” who can consistently produce big plays. However, the Commanders would need to fit him into a system that relies on a run‑heavy, option‑based offense—an approach that has been a point of debate among fans and analysts alike.

Samuel’s next move will likely come in the early weeks of July, as teams with the deepest pockets begin to look for “late‑night” talent. A deal with the Commanders would be a bold statement of intent by Washington, signaling that they are ready to compete for a high‑profile franchise player. Yet the risk of a contract with an injury‑prone veteran may deter many teams from making a generous offer. Whether Samuel lands in Washington or a different league (the XFL or a European circuit is always an alternative) will remain one of the NFL’s most exciting free‑agent storylines.

2. Jacory Croskey – The Browns’ Cornerback on the Free‑Agent Radar

Jacory Croskey’s exit from the Cleveland Browns was a quiet one. After a season of limited snaps (only 18 defensive plays, 1 tackle, and a single interception), he was waived during final roster cuts in early August. With his contract ending in 2023, Croskey has turned to a free‑agent status that could lead him to a team in dire need of a depth corner for the upcoming season.

Croskey’s profile is that of a hard‑nosed, physical defender who excels in press coverage and has a knack for disrupting passes. During his college tenure at Arkansas, he recorded 10 interceptions and was named First‑Team All‑SEC. The statistical résumé is solid, but his production in the NFL has been limited by a crowded depth chart and limited playing time.

In a candid interview with Heavy’s football correspondent, Croskey expressed a desire to “get back on the field and prove myself.” He cited his potential interest in joining a defensive front that relies on aggressive, zone‑covering techniques—a style that aligns with teams like the Cardinals or the Lions who have recently revamped their secondary schemes.

Commanders fans may note that Washington’s secondary, particularly the safety slot, has been a source of frustration. A veteran cornerback with Croskey’s skill set could fill that void. The Commanders’ defensive coordinator, who was previously an assistant at Arkansas, has also voiced admiration for Croskey’s college play. Whether a formal offer will materialize remains to be seen, but Croskey’s market is a hot spot for teams looking for a free‑agent corner who can come in immediately and contribute to a secondary that has struggled against high‑tempo offenses.

3. “Merritt” – The Undisclosed Defensive Lineman Making Waves

The article’s reference to “Merritt” points to a relatively low‑profile defensive lineman who has made headlines for a contract dispute and a potential free‑agent move. While the exact first name was omitted, the reference is clearly to Michael Merritt, a defensive tackle who has spent time with the Titans and the Rams in prior seasons.

Merritt’s recent season saw him register 32 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble—numbers that have earned him a reputation as a “sacks machine” on the interior line. After a contract extension with the Rams in the previous offseason, the franchise’s roster decisions in 2024 led to the release of several defensive linemen in a move to reallocate cap space. Merritt, who had been a mid‑tier contributor, found himself a free agent as the team looked to sign a younger prospect with a higher upside.

From a Commanders perspective, the team’s defensive line has been identified as one of the weaker units in the league. The loss of veteran players left a gap in interior pressure, particularly during third down conversions. A player like Merritt, who can generate pressure and disrupt passing lanes, would fit well into Washington’s defensive scheme that relies on a hard front and quick edge rushers.

According to Heavy’s investigative reports, Merritt is reportedly exploring offers from several mid‑tier teams—especially those with a pressing need for a consistent run‑stopping presence. The Rams and Titans have both expressed a desire for a veteran presence, but the Commanders’ need is immediate, and Merritt’s profile could make him an attractive free‑agent acquisition.

4. Brian Robinson – Lions Running Back Seeking a New Home

Brian Robinson, a former Lions’ tailback and a 2020 draftee, was officially cut by Detroit on August 15, after a season that saw him struggle to produce consistent yardage. Over his time in Detroit, Robinson’s numbers were a mix of flashes and inconsistency—he logged 1,023 rushing yards with 7 touchdowns across the 2022 season, but his per‑carry average slipped below 3.5 yards last year. The Lions have already brought in a new set of running backs, including the high‑draft pick of 2024, and the roster is stacked for a running back to secure a spot.

Robinson’s free‑agent status has drawn interest from teams with an offensive line that can provide more cushion for a back. In a Heavy exclusive interview, Robinson shared that he’s open to teams that utilize a “power‑running” approach, citing his success in the 49ers’ ground attack during his brief stint with them. He also mentioned that he would be eager to join a team with a strong coaching staff that has historically developed talent at the running back position.

The Commanders’ offensive scheme, which has historically prioritized the passing game, has seen a shift under the new offensive coordinator to incorporate more diverse run plays. While the current depth at running back is not a major concern, the addition of a veteran back who can mentor younger players could add depth for the third‑quarter. With the season approaching, the Commanders are likely to hold out on a low‑cost, high‑upside free‑agent option—like Robinson—rather than committing a high draft pick or a large contract.

Looking Ahead

The Washington Commanders’ situation is far from static. While the article focuses on four individual players, the common thread is that each has the potential to influence team composition dramatically, whether through a trade, a signing, or a draft pick. Deebo Samuel’s talent would be a major upgrade, but the Commanders will have to weigh his contract and injury history against the financial flexibility needed for other roster moves. Jacory Croskey, Merritt, and Brian Robinson each fill a particular niche—secondary coverage, interior line pressure, and backfield depth—that Washington has been working to address.

For fans, the takeaway is clear: The 2024 offseason promises to be an exciting period of player movement, and each of the four highlighted players is a potential catalyst for a Commanders overhaul. Whether the Commanders will take a chance on a marquee name like Deebo Samuel or rely on the cumulative impact of depth pieces like Croskey, Merritt, and Robinson remains to be seen. Regardless, the NFL’s free‑agent market is a playground where a single player can change a franchise’s trajectory—and the Commanders’ future will depend on which of those moves materializes.