Sep 2, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Jordan Whittington (13) is chased by Rice Owls defensive back Marcus Williams (4) and Gabriel Taylor (26) after making a catch during the first half against the  at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Brother of late Sean Taylor invited to Commanders rookie camp

The Washington Commanders announced their roster for rookie camp on Friday, and on the list was Gabe Taylor — the younger brother of the late Sean Taylor.

Gabe Taylor, a former defensive back at Rice, will have a chance to make the team his brother played for from 2004-07 before he was shot by an intruder in his home and killed at age 24.

Gabe Taylor’s agency, Creed Sports and Entertainment, said in a Instagram post last week that he chose Washington over “multiple offers.”

“This decision is especially meaningful because growing up, Gabe dreamed of playing for this team,” Creed’s post said. “Now he has the chance to make his mark, forge his own path, compete for a roster spot, and honor the memory of Sean. Gabe couldn’t be more excited, focused, and ready for the opportunity.”

Gabe Taylor went undrafted after five seasons at Rice, where he racked up 10 interceptions (one returned for touchdown), 239 tackles, 4.0 sacks and six forced fumbles over 54 career games.

The Commanders retired Sean Taylor’s No. 21 jersey in 2021. The fifth overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft, he was named to the 2006 and 2007 Pro Bowls and had 12 interceptions in 55 NFL games before his tragic death.

–Field Level Media

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell points to a fan in the crowd during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft runs through April 26.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Reports: Washington, D.C., to host 2027 NFL Draft

Washington, D.C., will host the 2027 NFL Draft, according to multiple media reports on Sunday night.

An official announcement could be made Monday at the White House, where President Donald Trump’s public schedule includes a “sports announcement” at 1 p.m., the Washington Post reported.

The annual spring draft is scheduled for Pittsburgh in 2026, with 2027 the next available year. Washington would be a first-time host since the NFL began rotating the sites from New York in 2015.

The expected site, according to the Washington Post and Axios, is the National Mall, with a proposal for a main stage near the National Gallery of Art and the National Air and Space Museum.

The 2024 draft in Detroit drew a record crowd of 775,000 fans over three days, with an estimated 600,000 attending last month’s three-day draft in Green Bay, Wis.

Washington is riding momentum from the Commanders’ surprising 12-5 season in 2024 and berth in the NFC Championship Game in the second year under new majority owner Josh Harris. Quarterback Jayden Daniels was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

More recently, the Commanders reached a $3.7 billion deal with the District of Columbia to build a roofed, 65,000-seat stadium in the nation’s capital. Harris and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the development project last Monday, with the NFL team committed to financing at least $2.7 billion and D.C. paying $500 million for infrastructure toward the stadium.

The use of taxpayer money must be approved by the D.C. City Council.

Harris has targeted the new stadium, at the site of the team’s old home, RFK Stadium, to open by 2030. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell a new stadium will increase the District of Columbia’s chances to eventually host a Super Bowl.

–Field Level Media

Jan 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts place kicker Matt Gay (7) kicks a field goal in overtime during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Reports: Commanders sign K Matt Gay, release Zane Gonzalez

The Washington Commanders are signing Matt Gay to a one-year deal and releasing fellow kicker Zane Gonzalez, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.

Gay’s contract is worth up to $5 million with $4.35 million guaranteed, the most guaranteed money in NFL history for a kicker on a one-year deal, per NFL Network.

The Indianapolis Colts released Gay earlier this month, two seasons into a four-year deal signed in March 2023.

Gay, 31, has converted 85.5 percent of his field-goal attempts (165 of 193) and 96.3 percent of his PATs (206 of 214) in 90 games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019), Los Angeles Rams (2020-22) and Colts. He made the Pro Bowl and won a Super Bowl with the Rams during the 2021 season.

The Commanders had a revolving door at kicker during their breakthrough 12-5 campaign in 2024: Austin Seibert kicked in nine games, Gonzalez in six (plus the playoffs) and Greg Joseph and Cade York in one contest each.

Gonzalez, who turns 30 next week, had been out of the NFL since 2021 when he signed with Washington in November. Including the postseason, he made 12 of 15 field goals and 27 of 27 extra points for the Commanders.

Gonzalez had re-signed with Washington on a one-year deal last month.

–Field Level Media

Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders helmet sits on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Commanders, D.C. reach $3.7B agreement to build stadium

The Washington Commanders have reached a $3.7 billion deal with the District of Columbia to build a roofed, 65,000-seat stadium in the nation’s capital.

Commanders owner Josh Harris and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Monday announced the development project, with the NFL team committed to financing at least $2.7 billion and D.C. paying $500 million for infrastructure toward the stadium.

The use of taxpayer money must be approved by the D.C. City Council.

The site is about 177 acres, which includes the team’s former home, RFK Stadium, for 35 seasons from 1961-96. The franchise moved in 1997 to what is now called Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. The team’s lease runs through 2027 and can be extended pending a move.

Harris has targeted the new stadium to open by 2030.

The ownership group had considered options in Maryland and Northern Virginia, where the Commanders’ training facility is based. Harris said at Monday’s press conference that the team will be “coming home” to D.C.

“Now we want to bring the Commanders home with a new RFK that our fans will love, our opponents will fear,” he said. “It will be loud. We want to make it about football but also about the city and the community. And we want to host the biggest and best events in the world.

“When our ownership group started on this journey two years ago, we laid out three clear priorities,” he continued. “Build a championship-caliber team, improve fan experience and make a positive impact on this community. Today’s announcement is a key part of that vision. Let’s come home.”

Harris called it the largest single private investment in D.C.’s history.

“This project is about so much more than building a stadium,” he said. “It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a catalyst for long-term, transformational economic growth here in D.C. That means thousands of new jobs, billions of new tax revenue, thousands of new homes, partnerships with local businesses and the creation of about 90 acres of mixed-use development for our community. And you know what? The city of Washington and the DMV deserve it.”

The D.C. government will use the Sports Facilities Fee for its $500 million investment, not requiring cuts to its operating budget, according to the city. Developing parking will be financed through a $175 million revenue bond fund by in-stadium activity once it is operating.

Taxpayers could be funding more than $1 billion when including parking facilities, recreation and water and electric infrastructure.

The entire campus is projected to create as many as 6,000 housing units, including at least 30 percent affordable housing, according to a news release. The plan also includes development for retail, restaurants, entertainment, hotels and expanded recreation facilities, including an $89 million SportsPlex.

“What our deal with the Washington Commanders provides is the fastest and surest route to developing the RFK campus,” Bowser said at the news conference. “And not just delivering sports and entertainment, but delivering housing, jobs, recreation and economic development.

“We will be able to deliver thousands of homes here,” she continued. “It will deliver a world-class, community-focused sportsplex for our kids. It will create park space and build out riverfront and trails. It’s about creating jobs for D.C. residents and revenue that will support what all of our city needs.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he has fond memories of growing up in Washington, D.C., and going to games at RFK Stadium.

“We are grateful for Josh Harris’ vision and determination and the leadership of Mayor Bowser in moving this transformational project forward,” Goodell said in a news release. “This world-class stadium will not only be an exciting site for NFL games and events in an iconic location but it will also be a community asset and an economic driver.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders helmet sits on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Reports: Deal struck to return Commanders to D.C.

Washington NFL’s franchise has not played in its namesake city since 1996, but multiple news outlets reported Sunday that plans to return to the site of RFK Stadium could be announced as soon as Monday.

The Commanders and the District of Columbia have come to terms on an agreement, although specifics were not immediately announced. Previous reports floated a price tag of more than $3 billion.

The team is under contract to remain at its current home, Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., until the 2027 season but can stay longer pending a move. Commanders owner Josh Harris indicated previously that he wants the team in a new home by 2030.

The franchise, then known as the Redskins, played at RFK Stadium from 1961 to 1996. They won three Super Bowls in a 10-year span, ending with a 37-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills in 1992.

NBC4 television in Washington reported earlier this month that the team would pay as much as $2.5 billion, with the District of Columbia contributing $850 million. The D.C. Council would have to approve the use of taxpayer money, and its members have reportedly been at odds over whether to do so.

Demolition of RFK Stadium began in 2022.

–Field Level Media

Mar 2, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly (OL07) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Grading the Commanders’ Draft

Grade: A-

Best Pick: Josh Conerly Jr., No. 29 Overall

What We Liked: Great players all the way down. Conerly’s explosive movement skills should make him a great fit for move-blocking and keeping a clean pocket for Jayden Daniels whether he chooses to scramble or not. Trey Amos deserved to be taken in the first round and should boost the secondary and help them recover from their early 2023 choice of Emmanuel Forbes. Even their late-round picks of Jaylin Lane and Kain Medrano stand to make an impact with their impressive athleticism.

Not Sure About: The Commanders could have paid a little closer attention to need, as they neglected an empty edge room and did not address the back end of their secondary. While I love Conerly, he may be getting thrown into the fire here before developing as an anchor, which could come back to bite the Commanders as they plan for the future, especially if they move him from his natural position of offensive tackle.

–Dean Bruce, special to Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receivers coach and former New England Patriots player Wes Welker on the field for warm up before the start of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Report: Wes Welker joins Commanders coaching staff

Former two-time All-Pro wide receiver Wes Welker is joining the Washington Commanders’ coaching staff, ESPN reported Monday.

Welker, 43, was fired by the Miami Dolphins in January after three seasons as wide receivers coach and pass game specialist. Welker became an NFL coach as an offensive assistant with the Houston Texans in 2017 and was also a receivers coach for the San Francisco 49ers (2019-21).

Welker made the Pro Bowl five times as a member of the New England Patriots when he led the NFL in receptions three times.

He had 903 receptions for 9,924 yards and 50 touchdowns over 175 games (102 starts) in 12 seasons for the San Diego Chargers (2004), Dolphins (2004-06), Patriots (2007-12), Denver Broncos (2013-14) and St. Louis Rams (2015).

–Field Level Media

Feb 2, 2022; Landover, MD, USA; A member of the press tweets in front of a new team logo after the announcement during a press conference revealing the Washington Commanders as the new name for the formerly named Washington Football Team at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Commanders sign former rugby player T.J. Maguranyanga

The Washington Commanders on Thursday signed T.J. Maguranyanga, a former rugby player who is part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.

Maguranyanga, 22, is listed as a defensive end. The Zimbabwe native played in the French Top 14 rugby league before heading to the football development camps at the IMG Academy in Florida in December.

He will not count against the Commanders’ 90-man offseason roster. Per NFL guidelines, teams are allowed an additional spot in training camp and on the practice squad for designated players with international backgrounds.

–Field Level Media

Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Report: Deebo Samuel gets $17M guaranteed in reworked deal

The Washington Commanders and newly acquired Deebo Samuel agreed on a one-year renegotiated deal that guarantees the wide receiver $17 million, ESPN reported Wednesday.

The Commanders also added another $3 million in incentives, per the report.

The Commanders acquired Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers earlier this month in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. The trade became official on March 12, the start of the new league year.

Samuel, 29, had been set to make a base salary of $16.6 million in 2025 with no money guaranteed prior to the reworked deal, per the report.

Samuel dealt with rib and calf injuries in 2024 but played in 15 games, all starts. He tallied 51 catches for 670 yards, added 42 carries for 136 yards and scored four touchdowns.

He had 334 receptions for 4,792 yards and 1,143 rushing yards with 42 touchdowns in 81 career games (73 starts) with the 49ers, who selected him in the second round of the 2019 draft. He earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro first-team honors in 2021.

–Field Level Media

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Fred Johnson (74) against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NFL transactions roundup: Jaguars to sign OT Fred Johnson

The Jacksonville Jaguars will sign offensive tackle Fred Johnson to a one-year contract, his agent told ESPN on Wednesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed for the 6-foot-7, 326-pound Johnson, who played in all 17 games (six starts) last season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The reported move will return Johnson to the Sunshine State. He was born in Florida and played collegiately for the Gators.

A Super Bowl champion with Philadelphia, Johnson, 27, has played in 62 games (14 starts) with the Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Eagles.

–The Washington Commanders signed defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Wise, 30, spent eight seasons with the New England Patriots. who selected him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In 126 career games (61 starts), he has 314 tackles (34 for loss), 34 sacks, 90 quarterback hits, 12 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

–The Tennessee Titans plan to re-sign running back Julius Chestnut to a one-year deal.

Chestnut, 24, is a three-year veteran who joined the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He played in all 17 games and rushed 22 times for 102 yards (4.6 yards per carry).

Last season, he played 50 percent of the Titans’ snaps on special teams. He returned 13 kickoffs for 337 yards.

–Field Level Media