The Washington Commanders are bringing back veteran linebacker Jon Bostic, according to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. Bostic played with Washington the past three seasons, starting 35 games over that span. Last season he started the first four games of the season before suffering a torn pectoral that ended his season.
Bostic was a free agent this offseason. Ultimately he signed with the New Orleans Saints two weeks into training camp. However, he was part of the Saints final cuts on Tuesday. With two young linebackers, Cole Holcomb and Jamin Davis, set to start this season, the Commanders turned to free agency to land a veteran backup at the Mike.
Bostic knows defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio’s system after starting 20 games in it going back to 2020. The team always felt they could circle back to the 31-year old, according to ESPN’s John Keim.
Earlier in the day, the Commanders jumped ahead and released linebackers David Mayo and De’Jon Harris. The two linebackers were released to make room on the roster after the Commanders claimed a pair of young cornerbacks Tariq Castro-Fields and Rachad Wildgoose Wednesday off waivers from San Francisco and the New York Jets, respectively.
Rivera has maintained throughout training camp and the preseason, the coaching staff liked their young linebackers. It appears that entailed only Holcomb, Davis and undrafted rookie Milo Eifler. In addition to Mayo and Harris, the Commanders waived linebackers Khaleke Hudson and Tre Walker during Tuesday’s cutdown day. The Commanders signed Hudson back to their practice squad.
Now the linebacker room will consist of Holcomb, Davis, Eifler and Bostic from the active roster.
Holcomb is moving over to Mike from the Will. He has experience in calling the defense, as he did so last year despite not playing in the middle. Now, he’ll get a familiar voice helping him in Bostic while Washington gets insurance behind No. 55.
