Putting more weapons around star quarterback Jayden Daniels remains the priority for the Washington Commanders, but those additional playmakers don’t have to come from the veteran market, not when one of the NFL’s best separators is already on the roster and tipped to take a “big jump” in his second season.
Wide receiver Luke McCaffrey is the choice of Commanders Wire writer Bryan Manning as Washington’s most likely breakout player in 2025. It’s a bold prediction after last year’s top-100 pick barely made a dent as a rookie, but Manning believes bigger things are in store for the converted quarterback, thanks to a few key factors.
Luke McCaffrey Can Enjoy Breakout for 3 Reasons
As Manning put it, “McCaffrey got open,” despite posting lacklustre numbers during his debut campaign. His “separation percentage was some of the best in the NFL.”
Daniels hardly took advantage of McCaffrey’s knack for finding gaps in coverage. The NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year targeted his third-round pick a mere 24 times.
Manning pointed to Daniels’ preference for looking toward underrated chain-mover, tight end Zach Ertz. Yet, Commanders fans “can expect that to change in 2025,” especially after McCaffrey was able to get “a full offseason under their belt.”
He’s healthy and up to speed in coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, so McCaffrey should earn a greater target share. Daniels ought to look McCaffrey’s way more often because the 6-foot-2, 198-pound former Rice star “has good size and speed. He can play on the inside or outside.”
Finding more ways to take advantage of McCaffrey’s versatility makes sense. Particularly after he averaged an impressive 9.9 yards after catch as a rookie.
McCaffrey gave a great example of how effective his strong hands can be on in-breaking routes with this catch against the Arizona Cardinals. The impressive grab was highlighted by Big Doug, co-host of “The Big Doug and Carmi Show.”
Making more use of McCaffrey’s frame between the numbers would be smart from Kingsbury. So would isolating the tall wideout in favorable matchups on the perimeter.
More involvement for McCaffrey can ease the burden on incumbent No. 1 receiver Terry McLaurin, as well as All-Pro trade acquisition Deebo Samuel. The Commanders need a contingency because McLaurin remains locked in a dispute with management over his next contract, while Samuel has faced criticism about his speed and conditioning this offseason.
McCaffrey can become the credible third receiver Daniels needs, but there are other ways for the Commanders to get the pass-catcher involved.
Commanders Can Have Other Plans for Wide Receiver
They are still waiting for McCaffrey to earn more reps in the passing game, but it’s not the only way for the 24-year-old to impact games for the Commanders. Coaches unlocked hidden value when they turned McCaffrey loose as a kick returner against the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
Deploying McCaffrey on special teams “paid major dividends,” according to JP Finlay of NBC4 Sports. Finlay also applauded head coach Dan Quinn for the “aggressive” tactic and “mindset.”
More big plays from football’s third phase is another way for the Commanders to bridge the gap to the Eagles in the NFC East. Chasing down the Super Bowl champions likely motivated Commanders general manager Adam Peters to add receivers the caliber of Samuel and former Dallas Cowboys 1,000-yarder Michael Gallup this offseason, but McCaffrey’s untapped potential as a playmaker for two units can’t be ignored.
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