The majority of undrafted free agent profiles end with a common refrain.
“His most likely landing spot is the practice squad, where he can develop and compete for a roster spot next year.”
For the players discussed in this article, 2026 is their “next year.” Historically, 28% of UDFAs make the same team’s Week 1 practice squad. The number has increased to over 32% since the inception of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, which changed the practice squad rules. Undrafted free agents are now being
offered larger guarantees to sign with teams, and landing them has become a major part of the post-draft process. Many of them are also now being elevated on a per-game basis to provide depth during the season, which was the case for some of the players that will be highlighted in this article. It is rare for players to get a third year on the practice squad, so for most of these UDFAs, this is their last chance to carve out a roster spot. Let’s take a look at which undrafted free agents are returning for a second season with the team.
WR Jacoby Jones
Jacoby Jones is not particularly fast, recording a 4.68 40-yard dash. He is on the larger side, measuring in at 6-foot-3 and 228 pounds, according to the team website. Most fans didn’t have him making the practice squad heading into last year’s training camp, but the former UCF wide receiver surprised by not only making the practice squad but also being signed to the active roster in Week 11 when the Commanders faced off against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid. He recorded his lone NFL reception on a 25-yard catch-and-run from Marcus Mariota with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter of that game.
Upon his return to the United States, the Commanders promptly released him to make room for Jake Moody and re-signed him to the practice squad. The coaching staff clearly likes him, as Washington signed him to a reserve/futures contract at the end of the season. This spring, Jones surprised again by holding on to his roster spot over media darling Ja’Corey Brooks. The wide receiver once again enters training camp as a long shot to make the practice squad. Jaden Bradley and Chris Hilton Jr. both profile as better options, but at this point fans need to have a modicum of respect for Jones’ ability to survive on the fringe of an NFL roster.
S Robert McDaniel
An intriguing prospect from last year, Robert McDaniel profiles as yet another hybrid linebacker/safety to play in the box. A plus tackler, McDaniel was given a chance to showcase his skills in last year’s Week 2 preseason game. Robert finished the game with 5 (1 solo, 4 assisted) tackles and nearly snagged an interception, which would have resulted in a pass defended. However, a penalty negated the play.
McDaniel recorded a couple more tackles in the final game of preseason but, frustratingly, was never elevated during the second half of a lost season. Strong in run support with great versatility, McDaniel is a fit in new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones’ scheme. He could develop into a backup safety if given time, but McDaniel should point himself at Tyler Owens’ special teams spot if he wants to make the team this season.
DL Ricky Barber
My favorite undrafted free agent prospect from last season, Ricky Barber delivered on his potential in Week 17 versus the Cowboys; on 15 snaps he recorded 2 tackles, 3 assists, 1 TFL, 1 sack, and 1 QB hit. That equates to making a play on the ball on 46.7% of defensive snaps when he was on the field. He also pressured the QB on 25% of drop backs.
Barber was relatively quiet the final week of the season but had shown enough to be signed to a reserve/futures contract in January. Heading into his sophomore season, Barber faces an uncertain future. One of Dan Quinn’s prototypical smaller, quicker linemen, Barber is a questionable fit in Jones’ proposed scheme. Perhaps they will find a spot for him, but the best case for both sides may be a strong preseason showing followed by a trade for a seventh-rounder or pick swap.
LB Ale Kaho
Kaho was a surprise addition to the roster last season, but earned it with his special teams performance and play during the preseason.
Kaho ended up playing a little more than half of the team’s special teams snaps and finished with 5 tackles on special teams (3 solo, 2 assists) with zero defensive snaps recorded. Not exactly earth-shattering. The revamped linebacker room prioritizes speed, and Ale will have to prove his worth yet again this preseason. Linebackers coach Ken Norton is in his corner, but early 53-man projections have him losing his hold on a roster spot.
OL Timothy McKay
There was quiet excitement around the signing of undrafted free agent Tim McKay last offseason. The versatile offensive lineman was projected to be a mid-round selection before tearing his pectoral muscle before the draft. The injury caused the N.C. State alum to go undrafted, but Commanders general manager Adam Peters shelled out a significant amount of guaranteed money to get McKay in camp.
Expected to possibly sit out a good portion of training camp, McKay was surprisingly activated in late July. He sat out the first preseason game but played in the final two contests. Unfortunately, he did not look ready to return and was released before the season. He managed to avoid being placed on an injury list and joined the team’s practice squad. Added on a reserve/futures contract, he should enter this year’s training camp fully healthy. To answer the inevitable question, while he has played almost every position on the offensive line in college, center was not one of them. McKay faces an uphill climb to crack a deep offensive line group, but could do enough this preseason to earn another year of development on the practice squad.
DB Car’lin Vigers
A tall cornerback with good measurables and man-to-man cover skills, Car’lin Vigers received a fair amount of hype headed into last year’s preseason games. Unfortunately, they did not go well for him. He missed some tackles and struggled in coverage on multiple occasions.
Headed into this camp, the team still needs cornerbacks, especially big ones with the ability to play the boundary, so Vigers will have a chance to redeem himself. Vigers profiles as something of a difficult scheme fit, but may do well in Jones’ system and has the desired versatility with a corner/safety background. Vigers is going to need to clean up his tackling quickly and prove he fits the new defensive plan if he wants to have a shot at a roster spot.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Commanders return a solid group of prospects from last year’s undrafted free agent class. The addition of two new coordinators and the associated scheme changes may spell trouble for some but also provide opportunities for others. New personnel additions have changed the roster landscape from last year, and the chance to win a roster spot is slipping away. Each player will need to attack this training camp with renewed urgency and build on last year’s experience in order to continue to pursue their NFL dream.
