WR Van Jefferson To Join Commanders’ Practice Squad

Jefferson is set to sign with the Commanders, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. This will be a practice squad deal, he adds to little surprise. Jefferson became a free agent upon being released, but instead of heading elsewhere he will remain in the nation’s capital to begin the 2026 campaign.

Across his first six seasons in the NFL, Jefferson has seen regular-season time with four teams. In 2025, the former second-rounder operated as a regular in Tennessee’s passing game. Jefferson made seven starts and 16 appearances, totaling 350 yards on 29 catches. That was the second-highest reception total of his career.

Jefferson signed with Washington early in free agency, making him one of the players in place as the receiver spot was evaluated through the offseason. The Commanders wound up signing Stefon Diggs, lining him up to serve as a productive complement to Terry McLaurin in 2026. The likes of Dyami Brown, Treylon Burks and Luke McCaffrey are also on Washington’s active roster at this point.

Jefferson, 30, will offer veteran depth on the Commanders’ taxi squad. He could find himself being promoted to the active roster or at least serving as a gameday elevation early in the season depending on how Washington’s WR setup shakes out.