Washington Commanders Signs Former San Francisco 49ers Running Back.
The Washington Commanders have signed former San Francisco 49ers running back Jeremy McNichols, according to the official team website on April 1. McNichols, a seven-year NFL veteran, provides backfield insurance for the Commanders. “McNichols (5-9, 205) is a seven-year NFL veteran who joined the Buccaneers as a fifth-round choice (162nd overall) in 2017. In his 37 games, he has 90 carries for 364 yards and a score, as well as 40 receptions for 295 yards and a touchdown.
“He had stints with San Francisco (2017), Indianapolis (2018), Jacksonville (2019), Tennessee (2020-21), and a second stint with San Francisco in 2023 before joining Washington.” What McNichols Will Bring To The Commanders McNichols can provide the Washington Commanders with another rushing and pass-catching threat. McNichols had 156 rushing yards on 41 attempts and 28 receptions for 240 yards with the Tennessee Titans in 2021, his greatest season yet.
He was employed in short-yardage situations and accounted for 17 first downs for the Titans. McNichols appeared in three games for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, all of which were special teams. “In 2023, McNichols appeared in three games and played on special teams for the 49ers. From 2020 to 2021, he would feature in 30 games for the Titans, providing depth and contributing on special teams.
Depending on how he is used, his ability to sprint and catch passes could be beneficial to the Commanders. After contributing as a special teams player in 2023, he provides the Commanders with further options in that area. Commander’s Offseason Moves So Far Unlike McNichols’ San Francisco 49ers club, the Washington Commanders had many positions that needed to be upgraded. After going 4-13, it became evident that more skill was required.
With Dan Quinn as their new head coach and the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft, the Commanders’ offseason is far from over. The Commanders signed Austin Ekeler, who is projected to be the team’s primary running back. Last season, Ekeler averaged only 3.5 yards per rush but was an excellent buy-low option. On March 18, PFF’s Brad Spielberger gave the Commanders an A for their offseason acquisitions, praising the signings on both sides of the field.
“Armstrong is a proven excellent fit with new Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, who immediately helped him elevate his game after moving to Dallas three years ago. Washington might yet make another move at edge rusher, with Armstrong more of a rotational player than a top option, but linebacker Frankie Luvu provides another pass rush element.
“Ekeler offers the pass-catching element to Washington, which lost Antonio Gibson in free agency to the New England Patriots. Ekeler and Brian Robinson compliment each other’s strengths in the backfield.” As Spielberger notes, the Commanders lost Brian Robinson as a pass-catching running back. While Ekeler is capable of filling this job, McNichols can as well.
McNichols has not played a significant role since 2021, but he did show promise throughout that season. The Commanders will have to hope that he can repeat his performance from 2021.
