Have Commanders fans prematurely given up on WR Luke McCaffrey?

Have the Washington Commanders fans given up on Luke McCaffrey?

All the talk this offseason has been about whether the Commanders will sign disgruntled San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk. It's almost like Commanders fans are writing off McCaffrey, thinking he is done.

Ben Standig, who probably leads local DMV media coverage of the Commanders, discussed the Commanders' receiver room on the Sunday episode of his podcast, "Last Man Standig."

Standig did admit early that Washington's newest receiver, Antonio Williams (Clemson), selected in the third round, may end up starting in the slot this season.

As for McCaffrey himself? Standig pointed out that McCaffrey contributed last season; he was no mere bench warmer. McCaffrey, of course, was limited to nine games due to his season-ending injury against the Seahawks when he suffered a clavicle fracture (broken collarbone). Returning kickoffs, McCaffrey experienced success, ranking second in the NFL per return yardage at the time of his injury.

Yes, he only caught 11 passes in nine games. But his 66.7% success rate tied for fourth on the team. When he caught a 50-yard pass against the Chargers, it would be the second longest of the season for a Commander behind only Terry McLaurin's 56-yard reception. Of his 11 receptions (in nine games), six were successful to move the chains for first downs. To only have 11 receptions and three of them be for touchdowns does illustrate his productivity.

"I do think it is a bit overstated for folks to be saying McCaffrey is going to get cut," expressed Standig. He then pointed to Treylon Burks, who Washington re-signed during the offseason. "Burks has the higher ceiling, but it's not like he has shown enough over his career that he is definitely in over McCaffrey."

"If they are going to add another receiver, it should be for WR2 or WR3, not for WR5 or WR6. They've got that covered." Indeed, GM Adam Peters has strengthened the receivers group, signing Van Jefferson and Dyami Brown this offseason. They are both better than Robbie Chosen and Tay Martin, who saw some playing time last season.