When DeAndre Carter made Washington’s roster in 2021, it was because of his ability on special teams. Carter’s work as a returner won him a roster spot in 2021.
Carter excelled, averaging 25.1 yards per kickoff return and scoring one touchdown while averaging 8.4 yards per punt return. Carter played in all 17 games. However, Carter proved to be valuable for the offense, too. With injuries to Curtis Samuel, Dyami Brown and Cam Sims, Carter was forced into a more significant role and thrived.
Carter caught 24 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns. He also carried the ball 10 times for 89 yards.
Washington allowed Carter to leave this offseason, meaning the Commanders were back on the market for a returner in 2022. Washington selected wide receiver Jahan Dotson in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft last week, and he could serve as the punt returner.
The Commanders may not want to use the rookie Dotson as a returner in 2022. On Wednesday, Washington signed veteran Alex Erickson, who is best known for his work as a returner.
Did the Commanders reveal their plans by signing Erickson?
Washington will be deeper at wide receiver in 2022. Terry McLaurin, Samuel, Sims and Brown are all back. Add Dotson to the mix, and Washington appears set at wide receiver.
Will head coach Ron Rivera want to use a roster spot for a returner only? Sure, he did in 2022, but numbers could be tight at other positions, such as the offensive line, defensive line and the secondary.
Erickson has proven he can help at wide receiver, as he caught a career-high 43 passes in 2019 with Cincinnati. If depth is light at wideout due to injury, Erickson can be a capable fill-in.
Ultimately, Washington’s final roster spot may come down to Erickson and second-year receiver Dax Milne. Milne must prove to coaches he can thrive as a returner. As a rookie, Milne took advantage of his limited opportunities at wide receiver and showed potential in the slot. But Dotson and Samuel will receive the bulk of the slot work, meaning Milne must be able to help on special teams.
There was a lot of confusion when Washington allowed Carter to walk, considering his contract with the Chargers. But from the moment Carter signed with Los Angeles, the Commanders had a plan involving Erickson.
For their careers, Erickson averages 24.8 yards per kickoff return and 8.1 yards per punt return. While he boasts a better return average on kickoffs than Carter, he falls short of Carter’s 9.2 career average on 79 returns. Erickson has returned 158 punts — twice the number of Carter.
Erickson is guaranteed nothing come training camp. However, it’s almost a certainty Washington found its return man for 2022 Wednesday unless Milne proves he can capably handle both roles in training camp.
This should be one of the more exciting battles to watch this summer.