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.com
3 things to watch during Commanders’ rookie minicamp
The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.
After months of waiting, football is finally back…kind of.
The Washington Commanders’ veterans have been in the building for the past few weeks as part of the team’s offseason workout
program. They’ll soon be joined by the team’s rookie draft picks and undrafted free agents, who will take the field wearing the burgundy and gold for the first time during rookie minicamp this weekend.
Rookie minicamps are a bit different compared to other practices. Contact is not allowed, and it’s full of undrafted and tryout players looking to prove why they need to come back for the rest of the summer. It’s an opportunity for the team to ease their new players into their culture and teach them how to warm up and get acclimated to their expectations. It has value, of course, but we won’t learn much about the team as a whole from the roughly hour-long practice.
However, there are some nuggets that can be taken from rookie minicamp if one knows what to look for.
Last Man Standig (paywall)
Commanders rookie camp: Which UDFAs will stand out?
The Washington Commanders’ rookie minicamp begins Friday, which means the annual rush to identify the undrafted free agent with a real chance to stick is officially underway.
The three-day event rarely determines roster spots in May, but it absolutely shapes who earns more chances in June, July and August.
For Washington’s undrafted class, Friday marks the first real step from intriguing résumé lines and scouting blurbs toward something tangible. Somewhere in this group could be a future practice squad stash, preseason darling or even the next overlooked contributor to survive the summer grind.
There are clear depth opportunities at cornerback and the offensive line, but you never know where someone will emerge. Tight end Colson Yankoff and safety Tyler Owens made the 2024 Week 1 roster and remain with the Commanders. Same with LB Ale Kaho, last year’s UDFA surprise.
Commanders Roundtable
Washington Commanders fill key scouting role, hiring ex-49ers scout
The Washington Commanders have filled a key role in their scouting department after news broke on Thursday afternoon, bringing on another former executive from the San Francisco 49ers.
Former San Francisco 49ers college scout Ryan Kessenich joins the Commanders as the new director of college scouting.
Kessenich joins the organization after serving as a college scout for the 49ers since May 2019, reuniting with current general manager Adam Peters with the Commanders. He also spent one year as a scout for the Reese’s Senior Bowl, one of the premier draft scouting events, along with one season as an advanced scout in a consulting role at Northwestern University.
Kessenich also joins the organization filling a role that has been vacant since late January after Tim Gribble left the organization for the same role with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gribble spent 24 years with the organization where he served in multiple roles in the organization, though he also worked out of Pittsburgh despite his role with the Commanders with a chance to return closer to home.
The timing of the departure was a surprise given Gribble departed ahead of the busiest time of year, instead opting to join the Mike McCarthy staff in Pittsburgh, but Washington rebounded with a strong draft class that addressed several positions.
ESPN
Taylor Heinicke retires after improbable NFL career
He made his name during his time in Washington, which began when he was signed to the practice squad in December 2020 as an emergency fourth quarterback — and was kept separate from the other quarterbacks in case they caught COVID-19 and couldn’t play. Heinicke had experience in Washington’s system, having played in it with Minnesota and later Carolina.
When Washington called him, Heinicke had been sleeping on his sister’s couch in Atlanta and was taking online classes to complete his degree at Old Dominion. His previous experience was serving as a backup in the XFL in 2019.
A month after arriving in Washington, he started a 31-23 wild-card round playoff loss to visiting Tampa Bay, which went on to win the Super Bowl.
Playing in front of an empty stadium due to restrictions, Heinicke completed 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for a score, diving at the pylon. Defensive end Chase Young would energetically point to the back of Heinicke’s jersey to highlight his last name.
Heinicke’s improbable finish led to a two-year deal worth $4.75 million in the offseason. He started 24 games over the next two seasons for Washington, replacing an injured starter both years. The Commanders went 12-11-1 in those starts, one of which was a Monday night win at then 8-0 Philadelphia in 2022.
He also received a $125,000 bonus after each win in which he played at least 60% of the snaps. That extra cash led him to buying a pair of Air Jordans — in the color of the team they had just beaten — after each victory in which he earned the bonus.
Podcasts & videos
INSTANT IMPACT: Breaking Down Commanders’ 2026 Draft Class | Command Center
What the Blough & Jones Era Means for the Commanders’ Offense and Defense | Take Command
CHASING LEGENDS: Commanders Rookies Pick Jersey Numbers Tied to Legends Like Joe Montana & The Hogs
NFC East links
Blogging the Boys
Here is how the Cowboys can make their offseason better
The Cowboys offseason would be way better if they did these four things
Trade for another running back
Javonte Williams finally had the career year he’s been starving for since battling severe knee injuries. The Cowboys’ starting running back earned himself a well-deserved contract extension and comes back to the team as the clear-cut No. 1 back this offseason. But who is the backup Dallas should trust behind him?
Right now, the Cowboys’ depth chart behind Williams is Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, Israel Abanikanda, Dominic Richardson, and Hunter Luepke. Davis is the only back on the list to have at least 400 yards rushing in his career. Unless Brian Schottenheimer has full confidence in rolling with young backups this year, Dallas should go after a running back who has experience.
NFL league links
Articles
ESPN
Vikings, Jauan Jennings agree to 1-year deal worth up to $13M
The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with free agent receiver Jauan Jennings on a one-year deal Thursday, providing the team with a reliable No. 3 receiver behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
The deal is worth up to $13 million, agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
After a hamstring injury and a contract stalemate kept Jennings out for most of training camp, he returned to the San Francisco 49ers last season with some added incentives for the final year of his deal.
Jennings, 28, then battled through rib, ankle and shoulder issues for a chunk of the season but still led the 49ers in receiving touchdowns (nine), to go with 55 receptions for 643 yards.
That 2025 production followed a career year in 2024, when Jennings had 77 catches for 975 yards and six touchdowns. His attempt to parlay that into a big-money extension never materialized.
NFL.com
Colts release CB Kenny Moore II after failing to work out trade
Kenny Moore’s desire to leave Indianapolis has been granted.
Following an unproductive trade request, the veteran cornerback was released by the Colts on Thursday.
A nine-year veteran with the Colts, Moore and the club agreed to seek a trade in early April, but were unable to find a suitable deal, leading to Thursday’s parting of ways. The 2021 Pro Bowler’s departure will save the Colts between $7 million (pre-June 1 designation) and $9.9 million (post-June 1) in salary cap space in 2026, depending on the timing.
Commanders should have Kenny Moore on the phone immediately after release
It seemed as if Kenny Moore II and the Indianapolis Colts were always going to go their separate ways this offseason. The veteran defensive back was given permission to seek a trade, which brought some intrigue. But when no willing suitor was willing to pay compensation, the AFC South club had no other option but to release him.
Moore was a highly capable performer at the peak of his powers. He rose from a 5-foot-9 undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State to play nine years with the Colts, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2021. While his coverage capabilities declined last season, his exceptional run-stopping prowess could entice several teams looking to bolster their secondary.
This would also instantly reunite Moore with safety Nick Cross, who was a high-value pickup from the Commanders in free agency. The veteran might be on the wrong side of 30 now, but he is far from one of the aging veterans who are way past their prime that Peters targeted frequently in 2025.
He can still play.
Pro Football Talk
Carson Wentz says he’s healthy and “ready to roll”
Carson Wentz’s 2025 season ended with a left shoulder injury that required surgery in October. He originally injured his shoulder Oct. 5, while playing in place of starter J.J. McCarthy.
Wentz played through a dislocated shoulder that included a torn labrum and fractured socket until he couldn’t.
The veteran quarterback, who made NFL history by starting at least one game for his sixth different team in six seasons, recently shared an update on his rehab.
In an interview with Luke Gamble of KFYR-TV, Wentz sounded optimistic about participating in the team’s organized team activities.
“Physically, I feel great,” Wentz told Gamble. “Shoulder’s more or less behind me now. It wasn’t fun by any means, but surgery went well, and rehab’s gone really well, too. So for me, it’s behind me. I’m healthy, and I’ll be ready to roll.”
Wentz re-signed with the Vikings despite Kyler Murray also being in the room. The two veterans will compete with McCarthy for the starting job.
Pro Football Talk
NFL announces in email blast schedule release “is almost here”
Before the NFL announces the regular-season schedule, it announces when the announcement will be made.
Before that, it announces that the announcement of the announcement is coming.
In an email blast sent Thursday evening, the NFL announced that the “schedule release is almost here!”
Earlier today, Alex Sherman of CNBC reported that the NFL plans to announce the schedule next Wednesday or Thursday, May 13 or 14. Last month, NFL V.P. of broadcast planning Mike North said the release could happen during the week of May 18 and that, above all else, it won’t be released until Commissioner Roger Goodell believes it’s ready.
The Athletic (paywall)
Netflix will have NFL Week 1 game in Australia between 49ers, Rams
Netflix will air the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game from Australia during this year’s opening week, sources briefed on the move tell The Athletic.
The streaming platform will air the Week 1 game between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, Sept. 10, with kickoff at 8:35 p.m. ET from Melbourne Cricket Ground, the largest stadium in Australia. NBC is expected to handle production of the game.
The league is expected to have a slight increase in nationally broadcast games, with the addition of the Netflix game in Australia and other potential games moving to YouTube, including games that previously were part of ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” double-header allotment, whose rights went back to the league when ESPN acquired the NFL Network in exchange for the league receiving a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN.
The league has previously discussed its interest in reflecting fan consumption habits and adapting to streaming platforms such as YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
There has also been scrutiny of pro sports leagues’ accessibility through traditional television bundles versus individual subscription-only services.
The NFL has reiterated that 87 percent of its game inventory is available through broadcast outlets. As with its two Christmas Day games, the Netflix game in Australia in September will require a subscription to access it, except in local markets, where games will be available on over-the-air TV, the standard protocol for all NFL games airing nationally.
Discussion topics
Commanders Roundtable
Pros, cons of Washington Commanders signing WR Stefon Diggs
The former Maryland Terrapin provides undeniable cachet and hometown nostalgia, but there’s more to Stefon Diggs’ game than just narrative. Over the last decade, Diggs has arguably been one of the most productive receivers in the league, consistently elevating his team’s ceiling.
In his 11-year career, Diggs has compiled 11,504 yards, 942 receptions, and 75 total touchdowns. His resume includes two First-Team All-Pro honors, four Pro Bowls, and a dominant 2020 campaign where he led the NFL in both receptions and yards.
His team contributions have also translated to postseason success. Diggs has appeared in 18 playoff games, reaching both the NFC and AFC title games during his tenures with the Vikings and Bills. Most recently, he anchored a New England passing attack that reached Super Bowl LX, finishing the season with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards.
This past season marked the seventh time in eight seasons that Diggs eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark—a streak interrupted only by an ACL tear during his 2024 campaign in Houston. Despite approaching his 33rd birthday, he proved with the Patriots that he remains a high-level producer. For a team like Washington, Diggs could provide a reliable target and a valuable one-year rental as they await the development of their young talent or look to draft a WR early next offseason.
The Age & Price Tag
Diggs is entering his age-33 season. While his 2025 production was elite, the Patriots’ decision to release him was a cold business move sparked by a massive $26.5M cap hit. Can Diggs maintain high-end numbers as he enters his mid-30s? Adam Peters previously hesitated on a long-term extension for McLaurin due to age and he may be reluctant to gamble significant cap space here.
Disrupting the Brotherhood?
Despite being found not guilty of his recent legal charges on May 7, 2026, the off-field headlines are impossible to ignore. His high-profile relationship with Cardi B keeps him in the tabloids, and there are persistent narratives regarding “burnt bridges” with former QBs like Kirk Cousins and Josh Allen. In a building trying to establish a “Commanders” culture, is he a spark for growth or a potential distraction?
A to Z Sports
Charles Omenihu is trying to help bridge a couple of roster gaps by connecting with accomplished veterans
On Wednesday, Commanders defensive end Charles Omenihu publicly reached out to four-time Pro Bowl wideout Stefon Diggs on Instagram in hopes of persuading him to join the Commanders. Diggs was found not guilty on charges that involved felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery, clearing his name for the upcoming season.
He then shared the news regarding former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback and teammate, L’Jarius Sneed, who saw an aggravated assault charge get dropped to a misdemeanor on Wednesday, himself. Omenihu played with Sneed in 2023 and both were a part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl squad, that year.
Both players come with risks, but can certainly help the Commanders
Let’s start with Sneed: The Commanders need a big corner that is adept in man coverage and Sneed was one of the best before injuries befell him in Tennessee. His knee is a big concern, but the Commanders could easily bring him in on a cheap, one-year prove-it deal laced with incentives. In return, they might just get a starting perimeter cornerback who can matchup with any receiver in the league. When healthy, of course.
Per Pro Football Focus, Diggs’ 2.42 yards per route run ranked fifth out of the 30 eligible wideouts with at least 98 regular season targets. That’s a better mark than guys named CeeDee Lamb, Ja’Marr Chase, George Pickens, Justin Jefferson, and A.J. Brown.
Diggs posted his stats from last season on Instagram this week, asking his followers: “Where we going?”
aBit o’Twitter
Presumably, this should be 2025; however, if it’s a glimpse into the future, I’ll take it:
