Commanders Cut Ties with 500-Yard RB in Surprising Free Agent Move

Washington decides not to tender a contract to running back Chris Rodriguez, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Washington Commanders have made a surprising move by not tendering a contract to running back Chris Rodriguez, who ran for 500 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. This makes Rodriguez an unrestricted free agent, able to sign with any team. The Commanders could still negotiate a new contract with Rodriguez, but this decision opens the door for other teams to potentially sign him.

Why it matters

Rodriguez played well in his third NFL season, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, and the Commanders' decision not to tender him is unexpected. This move could allow another team to sign the young running back, who has shown promise in his first three years in the league.

The details

The Commanders originally drafted Rodriguez in the 6th round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Kentucky. In 2025, his third NFL season, Rodriguez started 7 games and had 112 carries for 500 yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. While he was not heavily used as a receiver, Rodriguez has averaged 4.6 yards per carry in his career so far.

  • Rodriguez was a 6th round pick by the Commanders in the 2023 NFL Draft.
  • In the 2025 season, Rodriguez started 7 games and had 112 carries for 500 yards and 6 touchdowns.

The players

Chris Rodriguez

A running back who has spent his first three NFL seasons with the Washington Commanders, rushing for 500 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2025.

Washington Commanders

The NFL franchise based in Washington, D.C. that drafted Chris Rodriguez in the 6th round in 2023.

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What’s next

The Commanders will have the opportunity to negotiate a new contract with Rodriguez, but his status as an unrestricted free agent means other teams can now pursue him as well.

The takeaway

This move by the Commanders is surprising given Rodriguez's productive 2025 season, and it could allow another team to sign the young running back who has shown promise in his first three years in the league.