The Washington Commanders needed to bring a new name to strengthen their running game and Rachaad White is the one chosen to bolster the unit. This reunites the running back with Jayden Daniels, with whom he shared time together at Arizona State before the quarterback transferred to LSU.
Adam Schefter reported the signing, and it’s a very good signing for the running back, who saw his snaps decrease heavily on the Buccaneers. Jayden Daniels and White spent two years together. In 2020, White led the Pac-12 in yards per attempt with 10.0. However, Daniels was not as prominent that year.
In 2021, Daniels became the starter of the team, throwing for 2,380 yards on 65.4 completion percentage, along with 10 TDs and 10 INTs. That season, Rachaad White had 1,462 scrimmage yards with 16 total TDs. During their college days together, White was more prominent. Now, the roles have reversed.
How has White fared in the NFL?
In four years in the NFL, White has established himself as a very good dual-threat back. In fact, he’s surpassed the 1,000-scrimmage-yard treshold twice in his career and has never had less than 771 scrimmage yards. However, he lost his starting job on the Buccaneers to the electric Bucky Irving, and hence he needed a change.
The Commanders only had second-year Jacory Croskey-Merritt and veteran Chase Edmonds on their RB depth chart. So for Rachaad White, this is a place where he can actually thrive and earn big-time snaps, instead of getting relegated in the pecking order.
see also
Marcus Mariota re-signs with Commanders: QB depth chart updated
The Commanders need a great running game to function
The Commanders had a 5-12 record last season just one year after going to the NFC Championship Game. There are two main reasons for that. Firstly, Jayden Daniels was injured for plenty of 2025.
Secondly, the Commanders ranked 22nd in total offense, while in 2024, they ranked seventh. That decline will take a huge toll on any team. Now, with hopes of revamping their stock, the Commanders and Daniels hope White can bring a new dynamic to the offense.
