Commanders Add Ex-Rams Super Bowl Champion to Terry McLaurin-Led WR Room

Washington signs veteran wide receiver Van Jefferson to bolster depth behind star Terry McLaurin.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:06pm

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The Washington Commanders have signed former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson, who won a Super Bowl with the team in 2021. Jefferson, a six-year NFL veteran, will join a Commanders receiving corps led by star wideout Terry McLaurin, though he is currently projected as the team's WR5 on the depth chart behind players like Luke McCaffrey and Treylon Burks.

Why it matters

The Commanders have struggled to build a strong supporting cast around McLaurin, their top receiving threat. While Jefferson provides veteran depth, his recent production has been modest, raising questions about whether he can be a reliable contributor for the team.

The details

Jefferson was drafted in the second round by the Rams in 2020 and had a breakout season in 2021, catching 50 passes for 802 yards and 6 touchdowns as the Rams won the Super Bowl. However, his numbers have declined in the years since, with just 24 catches in 2022, 20 in 2023, and 29 for 350 yards and 1 TD last season with the Titans.

  • Jefferson was drafted by the Rams in 2020.
  • In 2021, Jefferson had a career-best season, helping the Rams win the Super Bowl.
  • Over the past 3 seasons, Jefferson's production has declined significantly.

The players

Van Jefferson

A 6-year NFL veteran wide receiver who won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.

Terry McLaurin

The Commanders' star wide receiver and the focal point of their passing attack.

Luke McCaffrey

A wide receiver on the Commanders' depth chart, projected to be the WR2 behind McLaurin.

Treylon Burks

A wide receiver on the Commanders' depth chart, projected to be the WR3 behind McLaurin.

Dyami Brown

A wide receiver on the Commanders' depth chart, projected to be the WR4 behind McLaurin.

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What they’re saying

“Those aren't the numbers of excitement. And here's more evidence of the ho-hum nature of this signing: ESPN slotted him as WR5 on the Commanders' depth chart.”

— Douglas Fritz, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Commanders will look to the upcoming NFL Draft to further bolster their receiving corps and provide more reliable options alongside Terry McLaurin.

The takeaway

While the addition of Van Jefferson provides veteran depth for the Commanders, his recent decline in production raises questions about whether he can be a consistent contributor. The team will need to continue addressing the wide receiver position, either through the draft or additional free agent signings, to build a more dynamic passing attack around their star wideout Terry McLaurin.