NFL analyst predicts Kenneth Walker III to Commanders in free agency — and more

The Washington Commanders have only one running back under contract for 2026. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt returns after a promising rookie season, where he rushed for 805 yards, eight touchdowns and averaged 4.6 yards per attempt.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a restricted free agent and should be back. Veterans Jeremy McNichols and Austin Ekeler are also free agents, with McNichols having the best chance to return.

Washington needs another back. Apparently, the Commanders are seeking a specific type of back. Matthew Berry of NBC Sports revealed what he'd heard about Washington's search for a running back at last week's 2026 NFL combine.

I’m told the Washington Commanders “want a thumper” and by that I mean a true early-down star running back. They felt like once Austin Ekeler went down last year, the run game struggled. They think Chris Rodriguez is a nice back but don’t like him in the passing game, and they clearly found something in Jacory Croskey-Merritt aka BILL but think of him more as a “2 or a 3” than a true lead back. My guess is the running back who leads Washington in touches next year isn’t currently on their roster.

The good news for Washington is that there will be options. The Seattle Seahawks decided not to place the franchise tag on Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III on Tuesday, meaning he'll be a free agent next week, barring an extension. The New York Jets did apply the franchise tag on their running back, Breece Hall.

In the latest episode of the Football 301 podcast, analysts Nate Tice and Matt Harmon made some free-agency running back predictions. Harmon sees Walker going to the Commanders.

"I think they really, really want an explosive back," Harmon said. "They want to get more under center, so send Kenneth Walker there."

Last week on Football 301, @Nate_Tice and I talked about why we liked the idea of Travis Etienne signing with the Chiefs.

Tried out some more fits for other free agent RBs on today's show:

Rico Dowdle -> Denver
Kenneth Walker -> Washington
Tyler Allgeier -> Seattle pic.twitter.com/jnm8vIDUyw

— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) March 4, 2026

That's two respected analysts in two days connecting the Commanders to a top running back. Harmon even acknowledged he thinks Washington would take Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love if he fell to them at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, in this instance, the Commanders believe there's a chance that Love doesn't make it out of the top five, so they spend on a premier back.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Analysts predicts them to sign Kenneth Walker

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Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has heaped remarkable praise on Motherwell, claiming they are the most impressive team he has watched anywhere in Britain this season…

Jens Berthel Askou. Motherwell 1-1 theRangers. Scottish Premiership. Fir Park, 11 February 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The ex-Hoops forward, who now works as a pundit on both sides of the border, says the Steelmen’s dynamic approach under Jens Berthel Askou has left a lasting impression. Sutton believes the Dane has masterminded one of the most eye-catching transformations of the campaign.

Motherwell under Askou have rewritten the record books. Their 21st clean sheet of the season at the weekend against Dundee United set a new club record that rivals some of Europe’s elite. Incredibly, their back line has shipped fewer goals than the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich this season.

At the other end of the pitch, Tawanda Maswanhise has been equally influential. The in-form forward leads the Premiership scoring charts with 16 league goals and 21 across all competitions, spearheading a Motherwell side currently sitting fourth in the table.

They trail the Hoops by just two points and are 10 behind leaders Hearts, while holding a game in hand against Dundee which will be played at the weekend.

Asked on Sky Sports how far Motherwell could go, Sutton delivered a glowing assessment of their prospects. “I wouldn’t rule Motherwell out,” he said.

“Motherwell have been the best team, and I really mean this, the best team I’ve seen this season, north and south of the border.”

“I think that they have a phenomenal coach, and for him to come up here, with the style that he has them playing – they have been an absolute joy to watch.”

“I really wouldn’t rule them out, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they went to Celtic Park in a couple of weeks and got a result there. They have been that good. I don’t think any team enjoys playing against Motherwell.”

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order

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Barça: Double blow against Atlético

The scenario was already complicated. It turned downright cruel. Knocked out by Atlético Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals, FC Barcelona has also lost two key players to injury.

Everything changed very early in the match. In the 13th minute, Jules Koundé sat down on the pitch, unable to continue. The first major setback for Hansi Flick's men, who were already facing the daunting task of overturning a heavy 0-4 deficit from the first leg. To replace him, the staff brought on Alejandro Balde. But fate had more in store: in the second half, the left-back also had to leave his teammates, struck down in turn.

Meanwhile, hope briefly switched sides. Thanks to a brace from Marc Bernal and a goal by Raphinha, Barça long believed in a historic comeback. But it was not to be. Atlético held firm and booked their ticket to the final. Beyond the elimination, concern now reigns in Catalonia. Upcoming medical tests will determine the full extent of the damage.