‘Savvy’ 10-Year Pro a Surprise Offseason Star for Commanders

Many of the big names performed as expected at minicamp, but a “savvy” 10-year veteran proved an unexpected star for the Washington Commanders.

Journeyman wide receiver Chris Moore has caught the eye several times this offseason. He’s been “making his case about why he should stick around,” according to Commanders.com Senior Writer Zach Selby.

Moore’s case is based on him showing up “as a savvy route runner during minicamp.” The former Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans wideout also “had some of the best catches of the offseason.”

Starring at this time on the NFL calendar won’t hurt Moore’s chances of making the final roster, but the 32-year-old will still face an uphill slog. Mostly because, as Selby pointed out, “the battle for spots at the bottom of the receiver depth chart looks like it’ll be one to watch once again.”

Battle is the right word when the Commanders are loaded with unheralded backup pass-catchers. Yet, a so far unspecified injury to one of the heroes of last season could give Moore his chance.

So could the uncertainty regarding the headline name in the rotation. The situation means the Commanders are sure to carry a hefty amount of players at the position.

Chris Moore a Surprise Standout for Commanders

Moore has yet to play a snap for the Commanders, but the receiver who’s also had stints with the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens has established a rapport with stud quarterback Jayden Daniels during team activities.

As Selby described, Moore “started minicamp by catching a deep pass from Daniels over Amos. He made another explosive catch the following day, this time over Car’Lin Vigers on the left side of the field.”

Moore beating rookie cornerback Trey Amos is significant, and not just because the second-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft is touted as a potential steal. The catch was also a reminder of Moore’s pedigree as a solid pro receiver.

He’s averaged 10 or more yards per reception in a single season five times during his career. Including when Moore turned 74 targets into career-highs for catches (48) and yards (548) with the Texans in 2022.

There’s a track record the Commanders can work with to make Moore a factor in the rotation. He may need to be active, given the growing number of questions among the position group.

Commanders Need Some Certainty at Wide Receiver

A sense of uncertainty is growing about the Commanders’ options at wide receivers, despite there being no shortage of names. The most prominent, five-time 1,000-yard receiver Terry McLaurin staying away from minicamp while he waits on a new contract has prompted concern.

General manager Adam Peters sending a fifth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for All-Pro Deebo Samuel gave the Commanders another star wideout and a contingency against losing McLaurin. Unfortunately, Samuel has already faced backlash about a perceived lack of speed and conditioning.

Things are just as uncertain at the depth level, even after former Dallas Cowboys 1,000-yarder Michael Gallup moved to Washington in free agency. Gallup’s a talent, but he’s also dealt with a torn ACL and declining production.

Gallup has the chance to get healthy and revive his career while former Cowboys teammate Noah Brown is on the shelf. The recipient of last season’s memorable ‘Hail Mary’ game-winner against the Chicago Bears had an MRI after being “carted” off the field at minicamp, per Ben Standig of The Athletic.

Brown’s absence gives others the chance to step up, an opportunity 2024 third-round pick Luke McCaffrey is already seizing. McCaffrey “was able to shake off Marshon Lattimore during seven-on-seven drills and get open for a decent gain. He also made a tough sideline catch with Tyler Owens providing tight coverage and scored a touchdown on a catch-and-run later in the day” at minicamp, according to Selby.

While McCaffrey is on an upsurge and this year’s fourth-rounder Jaylin Lane is an expansive playmaker, there’s still room for a proven commodity like Moore to stake his claim for a roster spot.