The Washington Commanders significantly expanded their wide receiver options this offseason. According to one team insider, this has led to many people sleeping on someone with an enormous amount of remaining upside.
Specifically, second-year pro Luke McCaffrey.
Hopes were high surrounding McCaffrey last season. The No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft was brought along gradually by the coaching staff. He got plenty of reps but not many targets. Even so, there was a lot to like about his production when called upon, both as a receiver and returning kicks later in the campaign.
Adam Peters wasn't going to settle. The Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel Sr. They re-signed Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn. Washington coaxed Michael Gallup out of retirement and used the No. 128 pick on Jaylin Lane.
JP Finlay projects larger Commanders role for Luke McCaffrey in 2025
That raises the stakes for everyone in the receiver room. However, JP Finlay from NBC Sports thought McCaffrey could be in line for another step forward next season if the right improvements are made over the summer.
One dude I think people are collectively sleeping on is Luke McCaffrey. I think last year, expectations might’ve been too high for a third-round wideout. You can leave the advanced analytics on this, but the advanced analytics suggest that Luke was really good at getting separation, so then it becomes a matter of getting on the same page with Jayden [Daniels]. Luke’s also still learning the wide receiver position, but I think he could have a much larger role.JP Finlay
McCaffrey's separation numbers were decent overall despite limited involvement as a rookie. If he can polish up his route technique, enhance his manipulation at the top of his route stems, and earn more trust from quarterback Jayden Daniels, it would be surprising if more responsibilities didn't arrive.
The competition for places is fierce. This was Peters' primary objective, and the best players will play. That's the only way Washington is going to maintain or perhaps even exceed the levels anticipated after their phenomenal efforts during the 2024 campaign.
This raises the stakes for McCaffrey and everyone else. The Commanders aren't giving up on him after just one season, far from it. What this does is provide Daniels with more options in the passing game, which is only going to help his cause.
What comes next is down to McCaffrey. He'll need to prove himself all over again, but last season's experience will serve him well in pursuit of a potentially expanded role.
And who knows, perhaps McCaffrey will become a surprise some teams don't see coming.
