Overview
- The team announced Tuesday that it signed linebackers Krys Barnes, defensive tackle Maurice Hurst Jr., tight end Tre’ McKitty and running back Craig Reynolds, released punter Matt Haack and kicker Jake Moody, and placed River Cracraft and Jerome Ford on injured reserve.
- Krys Barnes is a seven-year NFL veteran who entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2020, has about 303 career tackles and is expected to contribute as a backup linebacker and on special teams.
- Washington held multiple tryouts for linebackers and tight ends on Aug. 17, including workouts for Kyzir White, before finalizing the Barnes signing and other additions.
- The moves respond to short-term depth needs after defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton and linebacker Jordan Magee were listed with undisclosed injuries and after Ford’s placement on IR created immediate running-back concerns.
- All new veterans will have a brief window to earn 53-man roster spots or practice-squad roles as the Commanders continue preseason evaluations and finalize special-teams pecking order with Drew Stevens retained at kicker and Tress Way the lone remaining punter option.