The Washington Commanders made a move that should clear things up at wide receiver. During Sunday’s final roster cuts, the Commanders released veteran wideout Van Jefferson, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move should clear the way for Luke McCaffrey to make Washington’s initial 53-man roster.
Jefferson’s release suggests the Commanders will open the season with seven wide receivers on the roster. Jefferson, 30, entered the NFL as a second-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in the 2020 NFL Draft. After four seasons with the Rams, Jefferson has also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans.
Jefferson had a strong offseason for Washington, and the coaches liked him, but the depth was much stronger than it was a year
ago, especially after signing Stefon Diggs earlier this month. The Commanders listed six wide receivers inactive for Friday’s preseason finale in Baltimore. McCaffrey and Jefferson were both inactive, which hinted that they were battling for the seventh and final spot at receiver.
With Jefferson’s release, that means Washington opens the year with Terry McLaurin, Diggs, Antonio Williams, Treylon Burks, Jaylin Lane, Dyami Brown and McCaffrey at receiver. Lane is the Commanders’ primary punt returner, as he returned two punts for touchdowns as a rookie last season.
Meanwhile, McCaffrey took over as Washington’s primary kick returner last season before breaking his collarbone in Week 9. Before his injury, McCaffrey averaged 30 yards per return, which was among the best in the NFL.
Keep in mind, this is the initial 53-man roster, so more moves will be made ahead of Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders release veteran wide receiver
