The Washington Commanders announced today that they have added wide receiver Van Jefferson to the practice squad. They parted ways with TE Joshua Simon to make the requisite space on the roster.
Simon was never really a long-term piece. He was added to the practice squad sight unseen. It was a precaution, when Ben Sinnott’s health became a late-camp question mark.
Open Slot
That opening is for Van Jefferson, a genuinely good pickup. Yes, the receiver room is full — Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, Antonio Williams, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown is about as deep as it gets. But Jefferson brings something the young guys don’t: experience.
Jefferson is 30, and has caught passes from four different starting quarterbacks across six seasons. He’s a Super Bowl champion who knows how to operate in a real NFL offense under pressure. Compare that to Lane, McCaffrey, Williams, and Burks, who bring speed and upside but maybe not quite the same experience. Having a guy like Jefferson on the taxi squad — someone who can be elevated on a moment’s notice and not miss a beat — someone who can push the young guns – is quiet, useful depth.
He was a tough cut last week. It’s good to have him back in the fold.
It’s not a move that’s likely to affect the active roster next Sunday. Still, a front office paying attention to what the roster actually needs week to week — is hopefully a good sign heading into Week 1.