Walker totaled 161 yards of offense, including 135 rushing yards, and earned the Super Bowl MVP honors. The 5-foot-9, 211-pound back has posted two 1,000-yard seasons in four NFL campaigns after a standout college career at Michigan State that culminated in the Doak Walker Award.
With about $76 million in cap space, the Commanders are positioned to add in the backfield, according to Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, who named Washington as the No. 1 “Top Landing Spot” for Walker. Moton argued Walker would be an upgrade over incumbent Chris Rodriguez and could provide a versatile answer as Washington considers options beyond a potential Austin Ekeler pursuit.
Washington already has a developing option in Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who erupted for 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries against the Cowboys and finished his rookie year with 805 rushing yards and five scores. After the 2025 draft, ESPN’s Field Yates highlighted Croskey-Merritt as one of his favorite picks, noting his size, speed and footwork but stressing the need to develop instincts and vision.
Croskey-Merritt’s path included a winding college journey from Alabama State to Arizona, with limited 2024 eligibility that left him with 13 rushes for the Wildcats. He remains a moldable project for the Commanders to develop, especially given his potential as a multi-dimensional back if he continues to grow.
Walker’s free-agent value is underscored by PFF’s projection before and after his recent surge. PFF ranked him as the No. 6 overall free agent in the 2026 cycle, projecting a three-year, $27 million contract with about $20 million guaranteed, and noting a career-high 90.7 PFF grade along with 65 missed tackles forced.
Spotrac’s outlook, meanwhile, laid out a four-year, roughly $36 million scenario for Walker, reflecting his breakout season and the market for proven playmakers. The Commanders face a realistic coexistence scenario: add Walker to enhance the backfield while continuing to develop Croskey-Merritt as a longer-term solution.
