Ja'corey Brooks

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Commanders secured solid value with Ja'corey Brooks at $0.9M for one year, earning a C+ CVI that reflects a fair market deal for a developmental wide receiver. While Brooks hasn't established himself as a consistent NFL contributor yet, the minimal financial commitment makes this a low-risk flyer on a player with upside potential. The one-year structure is particularly smart for Washington, giving them flexibility to evaluate Brooks' progress without any long-term obligations if he doesn't pan out. At under $1 million annually, this contract falls well within the range for depth receivers and special teams contributors, meaning the Commanders aren't overpaying for unproven production. This type of deal exemplifies sound roster management — taking calculated chances on young talent without handicapping future salary cap flexibility, and if Brooks develops into a reliable contributor, Washington will have locked him up at a bargain rate.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Ja'corey's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Ja'Corey Brooks is firmly in replacement-level territory at the wide receiver position right now, and a D+ performance grade reflects exactly where an undrafted first-year player with one game of NFL experience should be expected to land. The sample size here is essentially non-existent — one game played in what amounts to a rookie season still very much in its opening chapter — which makes any statistical strength assessment premature at best. The more telling weakness is the absence of established production altogether; Brooks has not yet demonstrated the kind of consistent contribution that would give the Commanders confidence in committing meaningful snaps to him. His role at this stage reads as fringe roster candidate rather than reliable depth piece, with the organization carrying him at a $0.9M cap hit that signals a low-risk developmental bet rather than any expectation of immediate impact. The Alabama pedigree provides a credibility floor — the Commanders clearly see something worth developing — but media framing consistently positions him as an undrafted prospect still fighting for a roster spot, not a player who has secured one. With the regular season still 130 days out, Brooks has runway to change the conversation, but right now the honest assessment is that he is on the outside looking in on Washington's depth chart.

How Ja'corey Compares at the Position

Ja'corey Brooks ranks 67th of 305 graded wide receivers by performance. That slots Ja'corey between Elic Ayomanor (D+) just ahead and Kayshon Boutte (D) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Washington swaps depth at receiver for veteran tight end depth during offseason evaluations. Limited coverage suggests Brooks wasn't a major roster piece or rotation priority. Cutting an Alabama product indicates coaching staff sees limited upside or role fit. Fans likely view this as routine roster churn affecting unproven depth options. Firkser addition suggests Commanders prioritizing TE depth over developmental WR projects going forward.