Commanders Acquire Long-Time NFL Veteran to Boost Defense

The Washington Commanders added experienced interior help on Tuesday, agreeing to terms with defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II as part of a series of roster moves during training camp.

Hurst, 31, has been in the NFL since 2018, when the Oakland Raiders selected him in the fifth round (140th overall) out of Michigan.

The 6-foot-2, 290-pound lineman has appeared in 65 career games across stints with the Raiders (2018-20), San Francisco 49ers (2021-22), and Cleveland Browns (2023-25). He has recorded 117 tackles, 10 sacks, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.

The signing comes as Washington prepares for the final stretch of camp and impending roster cuts. The Commanders also signed linebacker Krys Barnes, tight end Tre McKitty, and running back Craig Reynolds.

To create space, they released kicker Jake Moody and punter Matt Haack while placing wide receiver River Cracraft and running back Jerome Ford on injured reserve.

Hurst enjoyed a strong start to his career. As a rookie in 2018, he started 10 games and notched four sacks. He followed that with 3.5 sacks and an interception in 2019. Injuries later interrupted his progress, including a torn biceps that ended his 2022 season with the 49ers.

With Cleveland, he played 13 games in 2023 (22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception) before an ankle injury limited him in 2024. He spent much of 2025 on the Browns’ practice squad and appeared in just two games.

At Michigan, Hurst developed into a standout. He was a consensus All-American and first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2017 after recording 12.5 sacks over his college career. He is the son of former New England Patriots cornerback Maurice Hurst Sr.

For the Commanders, Hurst provides veteran insurance along a defensive line that already features Daron Payne, Jer’Zhan Newton, Javon Kinlaw, and Tim Settle.

Newton was listed as questionable Tuesday with an undisclosed issue, and the team has dealt with other nicks during camp. Hurst’s experience in multiple schemes and ability to play various interior techniques give him a chance to compete for a depth role or practice-squad spot.

Washington’s coaching staff, led by Dan Quinn, has emphasized trench play this camp. Adding a player with Hurst’s background aligns with that focus as the team looks to build a physical front.

Whether he makes the initial 53-man roster remains to be seen, but the signing reflects a low-risk move for a veteran who has shown he can contribute when healthy.

Hurst will look to prove himself in the coming days as the Commanders wrap up preparations for the 2026 season.