The Daily Slop – 12 July 2026
Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!
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Articles
The Pewter Plank
Commanders are quickly learning what the Buccaneers already knew about Rachaad White
Ironically, the Commanders’ running back stable might actually be more crowded than the Buccaneers’ entering 2026.
The Commanders have Jacory Croskey-Merritt returning after he rushed for 805 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie.
They also drafted Penn State standout Kaytron Allen, who rushed for 4180 yards and totaled 43 total touchdowns during his college career.
Jeremy McNichols, another former Buccaneer, is also lingering deep on the depth chart.
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But White has the skillset to stand out and rise to the top of this group. At the very least, he’s the best equipped to fulfill the third-down role where he shines brightest, and he’ll emerge as a true asset on passing downs.
For a mere $2 million, White could prove to be the biggest steal of free agency, and one of the best values in the NFL in 2026.
Commanders Wire
Fantasy Stats: Terry McLaurin with elite production stat despite 2025 injury
For the first time in his career, McLaurin missed seven games due to injury. Even with missing those games, McLaurin was still in the top five wide receivers in first downs per route run.
Riggo’s Rag
Commanders’ new defense can provide the spark to ignite Nick Cross
ESPN insider John Keim is one of those high on Cross. After naming him Washington’s most underrated move, he outlined how Jones could potentially use his outstanding physical attributes within his creative system. And if it has the desired effect, the Commanders will have a massive steal on their hands.
“Coordinator Daronte Jones’ system, if he copies what he did in Minnesota as pass game coordinator, calls for a lot of safety involvement — and having one who can be versatile. With the Vikings it was Josh Metellus, who would be moved around quite a bit. For Washington, that will be (Nick) Cross. He was a bit overshadowed in the spring, but his importance could be evident in the fall.”
Cross signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Commanders. This includes a $3 million signing bonus and $6.05 million in guaranteed money, which is pretty cheap for a starting safety expected to be a legitimate No. 1 option in Washington.
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He was among the league’s best run-stopping safeties in 2025, but there are some frailities in coverage on occasion. Finding the right balance will be key, and how Jones maximizes his skill set will be even more vital to the cause. There is no better place for Cross to take his game to another level. Jones got this gig in large part due to his outstanding development of defensive backs. The possibility of landing the former Maryland star got his seal of approval, and considering how little else Washington did to enhance its safety options, a big role is almost assured.
Riggo’s Rag
Kain Medrano has become Commanders’ offseason darling as he prepares to take on a larger role
He will have to compete in a crowded linebacker room that includes No. 7 overall pick Sonny Styles, free agency addition Leo Chenal, and returning veterans Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee. As such, Medrano has his work cut out for him.
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Washington’s edge rushers will effectively become linebackers in Jones’ 3-4 scheme. That means the second-level unit will also have Dorance Armstrong Jr., Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, Charles Omenihu, and others battling for roster spots.
The presence of special teams coverage ace Nick Bellore also can’t be ignored, and Medrano’s best pathway toward a spot on the final 53 may be as his replacement. That will give him a foot in the door, with potential for an expanded role from there.
Commanders Wire
Commanders’ president makes a promise to fans
“We will be the loudest stadium by design in the NFL,” Clouse said. “And this is gonna be a terrifying place to come play. I want it to feel, ‘Oh God, when do we have to go to DC?’”
Heavy.com
David Blough plan may save Ben Sinnott
Maybe Sinnott won’t mature into a more prolific receiver, but there has been speculation his niche skill as a blocker will be used from a different position. This strategy might make more sense as inspiration for salvaging Sinnott’s pro career.
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The 53rd player drafted in 2024 can have greater value as a key cog in a more powerful running game. Making consistent gains on the ground will be essential to creating the play-action pass opportunities Blough wants for Daniels.
Play action only works if the run is a credible threat, and that credibility depends on the Commanders knocking open enough inviting running lanes up front. Sinnott and his fellow tight end John Bates, whose demon blocking skills have gone under the radar for too long, are likely to be more important in Blough’s system.
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Commanders.com
PHOTOS | Riggins visits practice
No. 44 watched practice at BigBear.ai Training Center and shared some wisdom with the guys
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Podcasts & videos
The TRUTH About Drafting Jayden Daniels… 2 Years Later
NFC East links
Blogging the Boys
5 offensive players the Cowboys need to step up their game
LT Tyler Guyton
Guyton, the 29th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has struggled with both consistency and injuries in his first two seasons with the Cowboys. Because of that, the starting left tackle job is currently up for grabs heading into training camp. Guyton and Nate Thomas are reportedly in a head-to-head battle to earn the starting LT job, with No. 60 being the favored option. One of the two needs to step up, otherwise All-Pro LG Tyler Smith would have to kick back outside, further weakening the interior of Dallas’ OL.
Big Blue View
Survey results: Fans say NY Giants will be over .500 in the NFC East
So, this week we asked you how many divisional games you think the Giants will win in 2026, and a full 85% of fans think the Giants will have at least a .500 record in the division this year.
It’s not unreasonable to believe that a defense that’s absolutely littered with high draft picks and elite athletes can be good with better coaching. Likewise, it’s also reasonable to think that a young quarterback who posted similar rookie numbers as Dan Marino and Justin Herbert (1), as well as Cam Newton (2) can become a franchise player. It’s also reasonable to assume that an offense with a franchise quarterback can at least be competent and give you a chance to win most games.
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The Washington Commanders have real concerns around their offense and will go as Jayden Daniels goes. For all the talk about Jaxson Dart’s play style, Daniels has very real durability concerns.
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Articles
aBit o’Twitter
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