Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt Focused on Details in Offseason

The second-year running back is determined to improve on his strong rookie campaign.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:07pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of burgundy, gold, and navy blue representing the dynamic action of the game.A cubist interpretation of a determined running back fighting for extra yards, reflecting the Commanders' backfield competition.Washington Today

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, nicknamed 'Bill', had a productive rookie season in 2025, rushing for over 800 yards and 8 touchdowns. This offseason, Croskey-Merritt is laser-focused on improving the smaller details of his game, such as ball security, pass protection, and versatility in the passing game, in order to build on that success in his sophomore year.

Why it matters

The Commanders have been active in free agency, adding RBs Rachaad White and Jerome Ford, which increases the competition in the backfield. Croskey-Merritt will need to continue developing his all-around game to solidify his role as the lead back in the offense.

The details

Croskey-Merritt, a 7th round draft pick in 2025, saw action in all 17 games as a rookie, starting 7. He is determined to improve on areas like ball security, pass protection, and pass-catching to take his game to the next level. The Commanders have high hopes for Croskey-Merritt, but with the additions of White and Ford, he'll have to prove himself again in 2026.

  • Croskey-Merritt had a strong rookie season in 2025.
  • The Commanders were active in free agency, signing RBs Rachaad White and Jerome Ford.

The players

Jacory Croskey-Merritt

A second-year running back for the Washington Commanders, nicknamed 'Bill', who had over 800 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns as a rookie in 2025.

Rachaad White

A running back signed by the Washington Commanders in free agency, adding to the competition in the backfield.

Jerome Ford

A running back signed by the Washington Commanders in free agency, adding to the competition in the backfield.

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What they’re saying

“Just seeing what I wasn't, or just looking at what I thought I could did better this year, and just try to narrow down on those details so next year the same things I struggled with don't happen again.”

— Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Running Back

What’s next

Croskey-Merritt will need to prove himself again in training camp and the preseason as he competes for the lead role in the Commanders' backfield.

The takeaway

Croskey-Merritt's focus on improving the small details of his game shows his dedication to building on a promising rookie season. With increased competition in the Commanders' backfield, he'll need to continue developing his all-around skill set to solidify his role as the lead back.