The Commanders added eight rookies in the draft, and they added another 13 first-year players today. Washington announced the signing of 13 undrafted free agents:
- DeVante Cross, CB (Virginia)
- Josh Drayden, CB (California)
- Jequez Ezzard, WR (Sam Houston State)
- Ferrod Gardner, S (Louisiana-Lafayette)
- Curtis Hodges, TE (Arizona State)
- Cole Kelley, QB (Southeast Louisiana)
- Kyric McGowan, WR (Georgia Tech)
- Jacub Panasiuk, DE (Michigan State)
- Armani Rogers, TE (Ohio)
- Tyrese Robinson, G (Oklahoma)
- Devin Taylor, CB (Bowling Green)
- Tre Walker, LB (Idaho)
- Drew White, LB (Notre Dame)
Arizona State tight end Curtis Hodges got a chunk of money to join Washington, earning a $25K signing bonus and a guaranteed $100K base salary, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter). The 6-7 prospect showed some ability in the receiving game during the 2021 season, hauling in 20 receptions for 374 yards and two touchdowns.
Considering his position, Cole Kelley is another notable UDFA joining the Commanders. While he’s a long shot, Kelley will be one of several QBs (along with fellow rookie Sam Howell) competing for Washington’s starting nod. Kelley finished this past season having completed 73.55 percent of his passes for 5,124 yards, 44 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Why would Kelley or Howell be competing for a starting job? Back up maybe.