Commanders cut ties with 500-yard RB in surprising free agent decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Washington Commanders have made a bit of a surprising move at the running back position.
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They’re cutting loose an RB who started seven games last season, running for 500 yards and six touchdowns.
The news was reported by Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports on Wednesday: The Commanders have chosen not to tender Chris Rodriguez a contract.
Rodriguez entered the offseason as a restricted free agent. That means that if another team were to offer him a free agent deal, the Commanders would have the right to match that offer and keep him.
Instead, the non-tender makes Rodriguez an unrestricted free agent, able to sign anywhere with no chance for Washington to keep him.
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This move doesn’t stop the Commanders from negotiating a fresh contract with Rodriguez, but it certainly opens the door for other teams to move in.
Other teams certainly will be interested, because Rodriguez played really well in 2025.
His third NFL season featured 112 carries for 500 yards (4.5 yards per carry) with his six rushing TDs.
Rodriguez was hardly used as a receiver, but as a ball carrier, he has averaged 4.6 yards per carry in his three-season NFL career.
The Commanders originally got Rodriguez as a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Kentucky. It’s been the only franchise Rodriguez has known in the league.
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Now, he’s got the chance to go somewhere new and continue to prove himself.