Tag: Commanders

Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) runs the ball against Washington Commanders cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. (34) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Commanders re-sign CB Antonio Hamilton to 1-year deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Washington Commanders announced Monday that they have re-signed cornerback Antonio Hamilton to a one-year deal.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Hamilton, 33, appeared in 15 games (one start) in his first season with the Commanders in 2025, recording 18 tackles, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery.

A former undrafted free agent out of South Carolina State, Hamilton has played 10 seasons for the then-Oakland Raiders (2016-17), New York Giants (2018-19), Kansas City Chiefs (2020), Arizona Cardinals (2021-23), Atlanta Falcons (2024) and Commanders.

He’s appeared in 124 career games (19 starts), amassing 197 tackles, two interceptions, 27 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one tackle for loss.

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) stands on the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Former Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke retires

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Journeyman NFL quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who started 24 games for Washington from 2021-22, announced his retirement after a seven-year career.

“Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold,” Heinicke wrote Thursday on Instagram. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life … Excited for this next chapter of my life.”

Heinicke, 33, made his last NFL appearance in 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers, who released him just ahead of the 2025 season.

He went 7-8 as the starter for the Washington Football Team in 2021 and 5-3-1 with the rebranded Commanders in 2022. He also appeared in games for the Houston Texans (2017), Carolina Panthers (2018), Atlanta Falcons (2023) and Chargers.

Heinicke starred in college at the FCS level at Old Dominion, where he won the Walter Payton Award and was named the FCS Player of the Year in 2012.

Undrafted in 2015, he compiled a 13-15-1 record as an NFL starter while completing 62.5% of his passes for 6,663 yards with 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in 42 games (29 starts).

Following an injury to starter Alex Smith, Heinicke served as an emergency starter for Washington’s wild-card playoff game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 9, 2021. He completed 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards with one TD and one interception and also rushed for a score in a 31-23 loss played in an empty stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

–Field Level Media

Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles is selected by the Washington Commanders as the number seven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Commanders sign 1st-round pick Sonny Styles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Washington Commanders signed first-round draft pick Sonny Styles to his four-year rookie contract on Friday.

Styles, the seventh overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, will receive $37.2 million in fully guaranteed money that includes a $23.5 million signing bonus. The deal also includes a fifth-year team option.

The Commanders also signed the remaining members of their draft class: Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams (third round), Tennessee defensive end Joshua Josephs (fifth), Penn State running back Kaytron Allen (sixth), Michigan State center Matt Gulbin (sixth) and Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (seventh).

Styles, who was converted from safety to linebacker, recorded 82 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss in 14 games as a first-team All-American last season at Ohio State.

He totaled 244 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 53 career games with the Buckeyes.

–Field Level Media

Dec 24, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) throws the football during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

Veteran QB Taylor Heinicke announces retirement

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who went from undrafted to a playoff starter in the NFL, announced his retirement on Thursday.

“For 25 years, I had the pleasure to play this great sport of football,” Heinicke wrote in an Instagram post. “It has taught me a lot, not only about myself but about life as well. Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life.

“Thank you to all who have supported me in this journey. Thank you all who have believed in me. And thank you to those who gave me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream. Excited for this next chapter of my life!”

Heinicke, 33, signed with the then-Washington Football Team in 2020 after appearing in seven games (one start) over the 2017 and 2018 seasons with the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers, respectively.

A month after signing to the practice squad, he started Washington’s wild-card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 9, 2021, completing 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards, a touchdown and an interception in a 31-23 loss.

That performance led Washington to sign Heinicke to a two-year contract. He made 15 of his 29 career starts in 2021 for Washington, completing 65% of his passes for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also ran for 313 yards in 2021, finishing with a 7-8 record as a starter.

Heinicke last played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024 and was released from the team during preseason ahead of the 2025 season.

He finishes his career with 6,663 yards, 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in 42 games for the Texans, Panthers, Washington Commanders (2020-22), Atlanta Falcons (2023) and Chargers. Heinicke went 13-15-1 as an NFL starter.

–Field Level Media

Jan 26, 1992; Minneapolis, MN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins linebacker Monte Coleman (51) and linebacker Andre Collins (55) on the sideline during Super Bowl XXVI against the Buffalo Bills at the Metrodome. The Redskins defeated the Bills 37-24. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Monte Coleman, 3-time Super Bowl champion for Washington, dies at 68

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Monte Coleman, who won three Super Bowls while playing linebacker his entire NFL career for the Washington franchise, died on Sunday. He was 68.

A cause of death was not given in announcements by the Washington Commanders as well as by Arkansas Pine Bluff, where Coleman was head coach at his hometown university from 2008-17 and was 40-71. The Golden Lions won the Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2012 as well as the Boxtorow HBCU Division I coaches’ national championship.

“Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB — excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes,” UAPB athletic director Chris Robinson said in a statement. “His legacy is not only written in championships and honors, but in the lives he changed every single day.”

The first player drafted from Central Arkansas, Coleman went to Washington in the 11th round of the 1979 NFL Draft, which was 12 rounds at the time.

He played 16 seasons, all for Washington, and totaled 1,002 tackles (999 solo), 49.5 sacks, 17 interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), 13 forced fumbles and 14 fumble recoveries in 215 regular-season games (62 starts) from 1979-94.

Coleman also played in 21 playoff games (five starts) and recorded five tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions.

Washington won Super Bowl championships in 1982, 1987 and 1991 and played in the 1983 game.

“Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history,” Commanders owner Josh Harris said in a statement. “He was one of the pillars of our championship defenses having played for all three Super Bowl-winning teams. His durability and leadership set the standard for what it meant to suit up for the Burgundy & Gold.”

Coleman ranks second in franchise history in total games played and solo tackles, and sixth in sacks.

He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and Washington’s Ring of Fame in 2015.

“That was one of the greatest accolades I’ve ever received,” Coleman said of his Washington honor. “To be listed among those players, I will always cherish that. That means a whole lot to me.”

Coleman is survived by his wife of 43 years Yvette and his children Jasmine, Kyndall, Kyle, Corey and Londie.

–Field Level Media

Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys with wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) in the second quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

New Commanders uniforms coming on April 15

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The Washington Commanders will unveil their new uniforms for the 2026 season on April 15, the team announced Thursday with a video teaser on social media.

Reports from the nation’s capital have suggested that the team is planning to permanently adopt the “Super Bowl Era” throwback uniforms introduced last season.

The Commanders wore those uniforms, featuring white jerseys and burgundy helmets and pants — as their alternate look for three games in 2025.

The Commanders, who formally changed the team name and logo in 2022 after two seasons as the Washington Football Team, were known controversially as the Washington Redskins from 1937 to 2019. The franchise won Super Bowls during the 1982, 1987 and 1991 seasons.

“These uniforms recognize the most successful era of our franchise — one that reflects a culture of excellence and encompasses many historical moments and special memories amongst our fanbase,” team president Mark Clouse said when the Super Bowl Era uniforms were unveiled. “Our coaches, players and the entire organization could not be more excited to celebrate our team’s legacy while creating new memories in these uniforms this season.”

Since that 1991 Super Bowl championship, Washington has qualified for the postseason just eight times.

–Field Level Media

Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves (39) celebrates his interception against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Commanders extend contract of S Jeremy Reaves

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The Washington Commanders extended the contract of safety Jeremy Reaves, the team announced on Thursday without disclosing terms of the deal.

Reaves, a former first-team All-Pro known more for his special teams prowess, started a career-high eight of 17 games played last season, setting career marks for tackles (91), tackles for loss (five) and passes defensed (seven). He also recorded one interception and one sack.

For his career, Reaves, 29, has 219 tackles, two interceptions, two sacks, one forced fumble and 12 passes defensed in 81 regular-season games (19 starts) with Washington (2018-present).

He was selected a first-team All-Pro and the special teams starter on the Pro Bowl team in 2022.

The Philadelphia Eagles signed the undrafted free agent out of South Alabama in May 2018 and released him that September, when he signed with Washington’s practice squad.

–Field Level Media

Sep 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (34) warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Report: Commanders sign RB Jerome Ford to 1-year deal

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Free-agent running back Jerome Ford agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders, NFL Network reported Saturday.

Ford leaves the Cleveland Browns after four seasons with the team that picked him in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Last offseason, he agreed to reduce his 2025 salary by half — from $3.49 million to a guaranteed $1.75 million — to remain in Cleveland.

Ford, 26, was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 9 after not playing more than 17 snaps in a game since Week 6 when he was slowed by a hamstring injury. In 13 games (no starts) in the 2025 season, he had 73 yards rushing on 24 carries and 26 receptions for 103 yards.

His best season with the Browns came in 2023, when he gained 1,132 yards from scrimmage and scored nine touchdowns.

In his career, Ford has 1,463 rushing yards, 647 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 57 games (18 starts).

–Field Level Media

Jan 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) and Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe (92) sack New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the first quarter in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Reports: Commanders reel in DE Odafe Oweh with 4-year, $100M deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Washington Commanders agreed to a four-year, $100 million deal with free-agent defensive end Odafe Oweh on Monday, according to ESPN.

Oweh will reportedly receive $68 million in guaranteed money.

Oweh, 27, has 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons, including a career-high 10 for the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.

He didn’t record a sack in the first five games of last season and the Ravens traded him to the Los Angeles Chargers. Oweh had 7.5 sacks in 12 regular-season games for Los Angeles before posting three sacks and two forced fumbles in a playoff loss to the New England Patriots.

Overall, Oweh has 30.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles and 176 tackles in 79 games (27 starts) over five seasons.

Oweh was a first-round pick (31st overall) in 2021 by the Ravens out of Penn State.

Washington also reportedly reached a two-year, $16 million deal with cornerback Amik Robertson. He is guaranteed $9.3 million, according to the NFL Network.

Robertson, 27, made a career-best 52 tackles last season and added one interception and two forced fumbles for Detroit. It was his second season with the Lions.

Robertson spent his first four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. He has 213 tackles, seven forced fumbles and five interceptions in 86 career games (35 starts) over six NFL seasons.

The Commanders also reportedly agreed to a two-year, $60.2 million extension with holdover left tackle Laremy Tunsil. He will receive a signing bonus of $32.5 million. Tunsil is the first offensive lineman in NFL history with an average annual salary of over $30 million.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) celebrates an interception against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Report: Commanders expected to release CB Marshon Lattimore

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Commanders are set to release cornerback Marshon Lattimore after 1 1/2 seasons with the team, according to a CBS Sports report.

Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler and the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017, is entering the final year of a five-year, $97.6 million extension he signed with New Orleans in 2021. He turns 30 in May.

He was set to make $18.5 million in 2026 but none of it was guaranteed, meaning Washington would have no dead money with his release.

A former first-round pick (11th overall) in the 2017 draft, Lattimore was traded from the Saints to the Commanders in November of 2024. He played 11 games in Washington, two in 2024 after the trade and nine last season before sustaining a torn ACL.

He was arrested in Ohio in January on charges of carrying a concealed weapon and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.

Over eight seasons, Lattimore has started all 95 regular-season games he’s played in, recording 16 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 98 passes defensed, five forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and 436 tackles.

–Field Level Media