The Washington Commanders‘ receiving corps got a boost on Thursday when they signed former Miami Dolphin River Cracraft. The team announced the signing via social media and the team website, and he’ll have a chance to make an immediate impact when Washington takes on the Cincinnati Bengals in preseason action Monday night.
In a corresponding move, the team also released WR Michael Strachan, a former seventh-round pick of the Colts. Strachan was held without a catch on one target in the Commanders’ first preseason game against the Patriots.
River Cracraft Can Be a Productive Slot Receiver
Rich Storry/GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – AUGUST 17: River Cracraft #85 of the Miami Dolphins scores a touch down against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter in a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
When the Commanders announced Cracraft’s signing, they cited his productivity at Washington State in college. The former Cougar had 218 catches for 2,701 yards and 20 touchdowns with Washington State, twice making honorable mention All-Pac 12.
Cracraft went undrafted in 2018, first signing with the Broncos and appearing in eight games as a rookie. He next appeared in an NFL game in 2020 with the Niners, making nine appearances and six catches. From 2022-2024, Cracraft was a regular contributor for the Dolphins, checking into 29 games in that stretch and making 25 receptions for 289 yards and three touchdowns.
The Former Dolphins Wide Receiver Adds Depth for the Commanders Amid Terry McLaurin’s Holdout
Terry McLaurin’s holdout hangs over Washington right now. He’s been the Commanders’ top option in the passing game for years, and he projects to remain so even after the addition of WR Deebo Samuel this offseason. Last year, he developed a great rapport with rookie QB Jayden Daniels, nabbing 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns, marking the fifth-straight season he’s gone for over 1,000 receiving yards. The only season of his NFL career he’s been under that total was his rookie year in 2019, when he had 919 yards on 58 catches.
On Saturday, the team activated McLaurin off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. The veteran receiver had been dealing with an ankle injury ever since he reported to camp back in July, and now the team is moving him from the rehab process to a return-to-action ramp-up. Head coach Dan Quinn said the conditioning work McLaurin needs to undergo is “separate” from the contract dispute, though it remains to be seen how involved McLaurin will be until his contract demands are resolved.
In the meantime, McLaurin’s absence means greater opportunity for those behind him on the wide receiver depth chart in Washington. McLaurin and Samuel are the undisputed top options, and behind them is a deep — if unproven — group. Noah Brown is the likely third receiver, with K.J. Osborn factoring in as well. Rookie Jaylin Lane has made plays in camp, and second-year slot receiver Luke McCaffrey (younger brother of 49ers’ RB Christian McCaffrey) could make a bigger impact with more opportunity. Michael Gallup was once one of QB Dak Prescott’s top targets in Dallas before a series of injuries forced him to briefly retire from football. He now seeks to rehabilitate his career in Washington.
Also with the team are WRs Ja’Corey Brooks, Chris Moore, Jacoby Jones, and Braylon Sanders. There are a lot of bodies, and Cracraft is the newcomer who joins almost as camp ends. He might be a better candidate for the practice squad, as most teams only carry five or six receivers on the activate roster and he has a lot of people to jump to get in that group. But he’s a veteran player who can be relied upon when needed, and that carries a lot of value to NFL teams.
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