By Adam Aniba
The Commanders have made a few free agent additions this year that haven't panned out. Linebacker Cody Barton has looked average on a good day, RT Andrew Wiley has arguably been the weakest link along the offensive line and finally the former weak link C Nick Gates has been benched.
Having a familiar face at receiver come back to Washington and inject energy in the return game has been a pleasant surprise with the return of Jamison Crowder.
After leaving Washington Crowder had stops in New York (Jets) and Buffalo from 2020-2022. In 109 career games the former Duke receiver has recorded 428 receptions for 4,806 yards and 29 TDs (11.2 yds per rec avg).
Crowder's contributions on special teams are notable with 115 career punt return attempts for 967 yards and 1 touchdown (8.4 yds per PR).
This season Crowder has set up the offense with good field position multiple times with some of his bigger punt returns. Through 9 games, Crowder has 20 punt returns for 190 yds (9.5 yds per return).
Crowder has seen his role expand on offense with Curtis Samuel missing time. He's been targeted 15 times and recorded 13 rec 139 yards 1 TD with a 10.7 per reception average.
Crowder recorded 4 receptions for 23 yards in the win vs the Patriots and seems that even with Samuel's return, his presence in the lineup and targets will continue.
Crowder's ability in the return game and on offense have added to his value. He's displayed he can be a reliable target, in a group that has been guilty of timely drops.
It's safe to say that Crowder has made Dax Milne expendable (currently on IR) and should be brought back in 2024.