Hogs Haven
The majority of undrafted free agent profiles end with a common refrain.
“His most likely landing spot is the practice squad, where he can develop and compete for a roster spot next year.”
For the players discussed in this article, 2026 is their “next year.” Historically, 28% of UDFAs make the same team’s Week 1 practice squad. The number has increased to over 32% since the inception of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, which changed the practice squad rules. Undrafted free agents are now being offered larger guarantees to sign with teams, and landing them has become a major part of the post-draft process. Many of them are also now being elevated on a per-game basis to provide depth during the season, which was the case for some of the players that will be highlighted in this article. It is rare for players to get a third year on the practice squad, so for most of these UDFAs, this is their last chance to carve out a roster spot. Let’s take a look at which undrafted free agents are returning for a second season with the team.
Jacoby Jones is not particularly fast, recording a 4.68 40-yard dash. He is on the larger side, measuring in at 6-foot-3 and 228 pounds, according to the team website. Most fans didn’t have him making the practice squad heading into last year’s training camp, but the former UCF wide receiver surprised by not only making the practice squad but also being signed to the active roster in Week 11 when the Commanders faced off against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid. He recorded his lone NFL reception on a 25-yard catch-and-run from Marcus Mariota with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter of that game.
Upon his return to the United States, the Commanders promptly released him to make room for Jake Moody and re-signed him to the practice squad. The coaching staff clearly likes him, as Washington signed him to a reserve/futures contract at the end of the season. This spring, Jones surprised again by holding on to his roster spot over media darling Ja’Corey Brooks. The wide receiver once again enters training camp as a long shot to make the practice squad. Undrafted rookies Jaden Bradley and Chris Hilton Jr. both profile as better options, but at this point fans need to have a modicum of respect for Jones’ ability to survive on the fringe of an NFL roster.
An intriguing prospect from last year, Robert McDaniel profiles as yet another hybrid linebacker/safety to play in the box. A plus tackler, McDaniel was given a chance to showcase his skills in last year’s Week 2 preseason game. Robert finished the game with 5 (1 solo, 4 assisted) tackles and nearly snagged an interception, which would have resulted in a pass defended. However, a penalty negated the play.
McDaniel recorded a couple more tackles in the final game of preseason but, frustratingly, was...
