Washington Commanders Lock Up Elite All-Pro Cornerback in Multi-Year Extension Ahead of Contract Year to Cement Defensive Backbone for Playoff Push

The Washington Commanders have some contract drama on their hands with star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. While the front office is undoubtedly working on finding a resolution to the situation after he skipped mandatory minicamp, the team did manage to successfully reach a contract extension with special teams ace Jeremy Reaves earlier this week.

After going undrafted in 2018, Reaves latched on with the Philadelphia Eagles, only to get waived in September. The Washington Commanders scooped him up, and he’s been with the team ever since then. Initially a safety, Reaves has found his calling on special teams, as he’s turned himself into one of the top players in the league in that department. After playing in all 17 games last season, Reaves has earned himself a new deal right before he was set to enter a contract year.

Commanders, Jeremy Reaves Agree to 1-Year Contract Extension

Reaves scratched and clawed to find his way to the NFL, and the same has been true for him when it comes to sticking in the league. Initially a practice squad player, Reaves earned his way onto the gameday roster by perfecting his craft on special teams, and in the process, he created his own spot on Washington’s team.

Reaves eventually earned a full-time special teams role in 2022, and he ended up turning in a wildly impressive season. Reaves’ play earned him a Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the All-Pro First Team, as he finished the season with a career-high 33 tackles and one pass breakup. And in the process, he made himself an invaluable member of the Commanders team.

Ahead of the 2025 season, Reaves was entering the final year of his deal, making his future with Washington past this year a bit uncertain. The Commanders front office opted to put those concerns to rest this week, though, as they handed their veteran special teams leader a one-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2026 campaign.

“I’m just filled with gratitude, man,” Reaves told reporters on Wednesday. “I was just talking to some of the young guys and telling them if you take anything from me, just understand that the turtle does win the race.”

Jeremy Reaves, Commanders Looking to Build Off of Breakout 2024 Campaign

GettyThe Commanders and special teams ace Jeremy Reaves have agreed to a one-year contract extension

After playing just five games in 2023, Reaves responded by taking the field in all 17 games once again last season. While he didn’t reach the heights he hit in 2022, Reaves was still effective, racking up 20 tackles and a forced fumble during his time on the field. Now, he figures to remain a prominent member of the Commanders’ special teams units for the next two seasons at the very least.

The 2024 season was a strong year as a whole for Washington, and the team will be looking to build off of their surprise run to the NFC Championship Game. Of course, in order to do that, the front office will need to smooth things over with McLaurin, but for now, they will be glad that they at least got Reaves’ contract situation taken care of.