Is Commanders DL so deep that trading ‘24 2nd-rounder Johnny Newton would be a win?

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 12: Jer'Zhan Newton #95 of the Washington Commanders looks on from the sideline during the national anthem prior to an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!

Commanders links Articles Bullock’s Film Room (subscription) State of the Roster 2026 Update: Commanders Offense Running Back On the roster: Jacory Croskey-Merrit, Rachaad White, Jeremy McNichols, Jerome Ford, Kaytron Allen, Robert Henry Jr. Level of need entering offseason: Medium/High Need now: Low/Medium Analysis: The Commanders only had one running back under contract entering the offseason, but I wasn’t overly concerned as they had easy paths to retaining the likes of Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols. On top of that, it was a strong free agent class and as Washington proved last year, productive running backs can be found throughout the draft.

The team ended up letting Rodriguez walk in free agency despite being an undrafted free agent, which felt like an odd decision. They drafted a similar style of back in Kaytron Allen to replace him . They did retain McNichols but also added Rachaad White as an upgraded version of McNichols.

I don’t think this is a standout room as things stand, but I also think it can be a very functional room with the potential to develop into a good one. We saw Croskey-Merritt’s talents last year and if he takes a step forward with a bigger workload, then the Commanders will be in a good spot. I think there’s some obvious roles here.