At $2m, was RB Rachaad White ‘the biggest steal of free agency’? - Daily Slop

The Daily Slop - 12 July 2026

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!

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Commanders linksArticles

The Pewter Plank

Commanders are quickly learning what the Buccaneers already knew about Rachaad White

Ironically, the Commanders' running back stable might actually be more crowded than the Buccaneers' entering 2026.

The Commanders have Jacory Croskey-Merritt returning after he rushed for 805 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie.

They also drafted Penn State standout Kaytron Allen, who rushed for 4180 yards and totaled 43 total touchdowns during his college career.

Jeremy McNichols, another former Buccaneer, is also lingering deep on the depth chart.

But White has the skillset to stand out and rise to the top of this group. At the very least, he's the best equipped to fulfill the third-down role where he shines brightest, and he'll emerge as a true asset on passing downs.

For a mere $2 million, White could prove to be the biggest steal of free agency, and one of the best values in the NFL in 2026.

Commanders Wire

Fantasy Stats: Terry McLaurin with elite production stat despite 2025 injury

For the first time in his career, McLaurin missed seven games due to injury. Even with missing those games, McLaurin was still in the top five wide receivers in first downs per route run.

WR leaders in first downs per route run (1D/RR) in 2025:

1. Puka Nacua - 0.179
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba - 0.165
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown - 0.135
4. Terry McLaurin - 0.135
5. Davante Adams - 0.134
6. Drake London - 0.131
7. Jaylen Waddle - 0.128 pic.twitter.com/Mi67wvPIkh

- Fantasy Points Data (@FantasyPtsData) July 9, 2026

Riggo's Rag

Commanders' new defense can provide the spark to ignite Nick Cross

ESPN insider John Keim is one of those high on Cross. After naming him Washington's most underrated move, he outlined how Jones could potentially use his outstanding physical attributes within his creative system. And if it has the desired effect, the Commanders will have a massive steal on their hands.

Coordinator Daronte Jones' system, if he copies what he did in Minnesota as pass game coordinator, calls for a lot of safety involvement - and having one who can be versatile. With the Vikings it was Josh Metellus, who would be moved around quite a bit. For Washington, that will be (Nick) Cross. He was a bit overshadowed in the spring, but his importance could be evident in the fall."

Cross signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Commanders. This includes a $3 million signing bonus and $6.05 million in guaranteed money, which is pretty cheap for a starting safety expected to be a legitimate No. 1 option in Washington.

He was among the league's best run-stopping safeties in 2025, but there are some frailities in coverage on occasion. Finding the right balance will be key, and how Jones maximizes his skill set will be even more vital to the cause. There is no better place for Cross to take his game to another level. Jones got this gig in large part due to his outstanding development of defensive backs. The possibility of landing the former Maryland star got his seal of approval, and considering how little else Washington did to enhance its safety options, a big role is almost assured.

Riggo's Rag

Kain Medrano has become Commanders' offseason darling as he prepares to take on a larger role

He will have to compete in a crowded linebacker room that includes No. 7 overall pick Sonny Styles, free agency addition Leo Chenal, and returning veterans Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee. As such, Medrano has his work cut out for him.

Washington's edge rushers will effectively become linebackers in Jones' 3-4 scheme. That means the second-level unit will also have Dorance Armstrong Jr., Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, Charles Omenihu, and others battling for roster spots.

The presence of special teams coverage ace Nick Bellore also can't be ignored, and Medrano's best pathway toward a spot on the final 53 may be as his replacement. That will give him a foot in the door, with potential for an expanded role from there.

Commanders Wire

Commanders' president makes a promise to fans

We will be the loudest stadium by design in the NFL," Clouse said. And this is gonna be a terrifying place to come play. I want it to feel, Oh God, when do we have to go to DC?'"

"We will be the loudest stadium by design in the NFL," Commanders president Mark Clouse tells BMitch & Finlay. "And this is gonna be a terrifying place to come play." pic.twitter.com/i97OGQ1Dsl

- 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) July 9, 2026

Heavy.com

David Blough plan may save Ben Sinnott

Maybe Sinnott won't mature into a more prolific receiver, but there has been speculation his niche skill as a blocker will be used from a different position. This strategy might make more sense as inspiration for salvaging Sinnott's pro career.

The 53rd player drafted in 2024 can have greater value as a key cog in a more powerful running game. Making consistent gains on the ground will be essential to creating the play-action pass opportunities Blough wants for Daniels.

Play action only works if the run is a credible threat, and that credibility depends on the Commanders knocking open enough inviting running lanes up front. Sinnott and his fellow tight end John Bates, whose demon blocking skills have gone under the radar for too long, are likely to be more important in Blough's system.

Photos

Commanders.com

PHOTOS | Riggins visits practice

No. 44 watched practice at BigBear.ai Training Center and shared some wisdom with the guys

View LinkView LinkView LinkPodcasts & videosThe TRUTH About Drafting Jayden Daniels... 2 Years LaterNFC East links

Blogging the Boys

5 offensive players the Cowboys need to step up their game

LT Tyler Guyton

Guyton, the 29^th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has struggled with both consistency and injuries in his first two seasons with the Cowboys. Because of that, the starting left tackle job is currently up for grabs heading into training camp. Guyton and Nate Thomas are reportedly in a head-to-head battle to earn the starting LT job, with No. 60 being the favored option. One of the two needs to step up, otherwise All-Pro LG Tyler Smith would have to kick back outside, further weakening the interior of Dallas' OL.

Big Blue View

Survey results: Fans say NY Giants will be over .500 in the NFC East

So, this week we asked you how many divisional games you think the Giants will win in 2026, and a full 85% of fans think the Giants will have at least a .500 record in the division this year.

It's not unreasonable to believe that a defense that's absolutely littered with high draft picks and elite athletes can be good with better coaching. Likewise, it's also reasonable to think that a young quarterback who posted similar rookie numbers as Dan Marino and Justin Herbert (1), as well as Cam Newton (2) can become a franchise player. It's also reasonable to assume that an offense with a franchise quarterback can at least be competent and give you a chance to win most games.

The Washington Commanders have real concerns around their offense and will go as Jayden Daniels goes. For all the talk about Jaxson Dart's play style, Daniels has very real durability concerns.

NFL league linksArticles

The World Cup restarted the natural vs. artificial turf debate this summer.

But what would it take for the NFL stadiums-which FIFA converted to real grass-to execute a similar setup for (American) football? A breakdown in my latest @latimessports story. https://t.co/humQhr5Htl

- A.J. Perez (@byajperez) July 9, 2026

aBit o'Twitter

Bill Croskey-Merrott at #43
(his 3rd top-100 run so far)

Marcus Mariota at #42

That's 5 Commanders runs between 41 & 100!#RaiseHailhttps://t.co/W4C4bmKRQJ

- Bill-in-Bangkok (@billhorgan2005) July 12, 2026

5 . Big Jay. Dyami . Jaylin. Luke. Rachaad. Van. Ben. Hartman. The ScaryTerry...and more . Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/2MMtYiaCzM

- Wale (@Wale) July 11, 2026

Wale repping the Terps while training with Terry McLaurin pic.twitter.com/KHaIcqqB4B

- Inside Maryland Sports (@Terrapins247) July 11, 2026

You don't become the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history by accident. #Commanders LT @KingTunsil78 dropped major gems on what it actually takes to perform at the highest level. It's not just about the physical grind; it's a relentless mental game.

He's already... pic.twitter.com/G9xp0WRMGV

- SleeperCommanders (@SleeperWSH) July 12, 2026

Here's one idea for Commanders to embrace old logo: Put Redskins logo in Ring of Honor along with John Riggins' jersey retirement. pic.twitter.com/h6ZhTkzyy7

- The Team 980 (@team980) July 10, 2026

They have a tribute to Blackie Wetzel at the current stadium and said earlier that they plan to have a similar one at the new stadium. https://t.co/iTP7lYcHaZhttps://t.co/y5eUVeKGIG

- Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 11, 2026

Stefon Diggs replied to #Commanders DE K'Lavon Chaisson's recruitment pitch on IG:

" pic.twitter.com/FFuiMplhy1

- brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) July 10, 2026

A group led by San Francisco 49ers limited partner Vinod Khosla has agreed to purchase the Seattle Seahawks for $9.6 billion, a record sale price for an NFL franchise, per @SethWickersham and me. pic.twitter.com/OfX9S788hm

- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 11, 2026

Estate of Paul G. Allen Reaches Agreement to Sell Seattle Seahawks pic.twitter.com/Pmv8i6FEp8

- Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) July 11, 2026

The NFL informed every team in a memo this evening that Neeru Khosla, an educator and entrepreneur, will serve as controlling owner. pic.twitter.com/UoJyAPtILa

- Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 11, 2026

$194 million: How much Paul Allen bought the Seattle Seahawks for in 1997.

$9.6 billion: How much Paul Allen's estate agreed to sell the Seattle Seahawks for in 2026. pic.twitter.com/NXcesojGH4

- Front Office Sports (@FOS) July 12, 2026

It's not yet certain when the $9.612 billion sale of the Seahawks to a group led by the Khosla family will be approved by NFL owners. The league may schedule a special owners' meeting for late August. But that depends on the review of the deal by the league and finance committee.

- MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) July 12, 2026

The NFL wrote: We have also commenced both review of key transaction documents and customary due diligence on the prospective ownership group. As this work progresses, we will report to the Finance Committee, which will review the transaction" before the owners' approval vote.

- MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) July 12, 2026

Former Terp Nick Cross shakes the hand of Washington Redskins legend John Riggins, who's No. 44 was just retired by the team pic.twitter.com/c9wvWdhDCi

- Inside Maryland Sports (@Terrapins247) July 10, 2026

Below, you can find three opportunities to meet #Commanders up close and personal.

Intriguing players as well. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/y7Sv1YF7SL

- George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) July 11, 2026