NFC Notes: Dallas Goedert, Jeremy Reaves, Commanders, Eagles, Giants

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The landscape continues to shift across the National Football League, with teams making moves to shape their rosters for the future, and the early stages of the 2026 season seem already underway. While the focus remains firmly on the future for many clubs, news broke late last week regarding the Washington Commanders and their latest addition to the team's wall of commitment. In a significant boost to their special teams unit and potentially the defense, via reports originating from the franchise, free-agent specialist Jeremy Reaves has signed an agreement for the coming campaign.

Jeremy Reaves, a name becoming synonymous with blocking prowess and reliability in the kicking game, brings a wealth of experience to the Washington. His background speaks volumes about an athlete who excels in roles where technique, discipline, and perhaps less glamorous aspects of the game, like safety coverage in kick returns, are paramount. Reaves has spent the majority of his 13-year NFL career on special teams, establishing himself as one of the premier return specialists and blockers in the league, primarily known for his time with the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Cleveland Browns.

The command of the press conference call or team announcement came from none other than first-year head coach Dan Quinn. Characteristically direct and emphatic in his praise, Quinn shared high praise for his new teammate, branding him as a foundational piece, calling Reaves a "true Commander." His words, attributed to Quinn following the signing, paint a picture of a player who embodies Washington's aggressive style not only on his own special teams units but perhaps even on defense, given the defensive contributions of outstanding running lanes and screens created by exceptional offensive line play, albeit offensively it's the running game and passing game where blocking is vital.

"This is a true Commander, one of our heavy hitters and an absolute all-around BMF, in every way," Quinn declared, perhaps echoing the symbolism behind the team's new name. He stressed Reaves' versatility and the impact he contributes beyond just his primary role. These terms – "BMF," often interpreted as an acronym for "Bad Mother F**ker" or sometimes used internally to denote a combination of "Blocker, Man," "Blocker, or Finisher" – serve as colorful trademarks of a unit's toughness and the demand they place on opponents. Quinn clearly sees Reaves as more than just a returner or a simple placeholder guard.

The expectation is that Reaves will slot seamlessly into a variety of roles, not only returning punts and kicks but acting as a crucial downfield punch on offensive drives and paving the way on screens for the quarterback. His experience in various systems across the NFL should translate well into the squad's needs. He joins a team already bolstering its special teams chart with other veteran contributors, though the project continues for the Commanders' entire roster, including their emerging defensive and offensive schemes under new leadership.

Simultaneously, other wings of the NFC power structure are showing movement. Dallas Goedert, the rookie phenom, continues to make waves with his performance, likely setting his draft stock for 2026. Elsewhere, observers turn their focus towards upcoming matchups, particularly looking towards the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles as rosters continue to be fine-tuned for the grind of training camp and pre-season matchups, which serve as crucial proving grounds for all 32 clubs. While the spotlight fell heavily on Reaves in the Commanders' newsroom following the signing, the larger NFC stage remains a dynamic chessboard, with pieces moving in anticipation of the 2026 season's opening kickoff.

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