The Washington Redskins have signed running back JD McKissic to a two-year deal, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
An undrafted free agent, McKissic caught on with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017. There he played three seasons. He flashed in 2017 with 34 catches for 266 yards and two touchdowns, catching out of the backfield and lining up some in the slot.
He spent last season with the Detroit Lions, primarily as a third-down back much like he was in Seattle. With the Lions, he nearly replicated his 2017 season with 34 catches for 233 yards and a touchdown.
The Redskins need security at running back. McKissic gives the Redskins insurance against their team’s struggling health in recent years at running back.
Washington’s lone dependable running back is soon to be 35-year old Adrian Peterson. He has been durable and led the team in rushing each of the past two seasons. However, he is a north and south runner, who was seldom used in pass protection and third down.
Derrius Guice is coming off his second straight season hampered by knee injuries. He has appeared in five games in his first two seasons with the Redskins. Chris Thompson, who was the Redskins’ primary third-down back, has missed at least five games due to injuries in each of the past three seasons.
Last year’s fourth-round pick Bryce Love is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in his final game in college at Stanford. The injury forced him on the PUP list for his entire rookie season. He underwent a second procedure in October on his injured knee.
