Running back J.D McKissic deserves a second act with the Washington Football Team. McKissic is in the last year of a two-year $3,270,000 contract with Washington. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2022.
The undrafted sixth-year pro has yielded career highs wearing burgundy and gold. McKissic began his career with the Atlanta Falcons but was ultimately waived by the team. The Seattle Seahawks would later sign McKissic. He played 19 games for the Seahawks before joining the Detroit Lions in 2019.
Since joining Washington in 2020, McKissic has been a solid contributor in the passing and running game, making him a performer worthy of a second act.
McKissic Deserves a Second Act With Washington
McKissic Act One Scene One: The 2020 Season
While McKissic is listed as running back, the former wide receiver made his most significant impact in the passing game for Washington. In 2020, McKissic recorded 80 receptions for 589 yards and two receiving touchdowns. McKissic had 110 targets which ranked second on the team (tied with tight end Logan Thomas) and a catch percentage over 70 percent.
McKissic also rushed for 365 yards on 85 attempts. He finished the season as Washington’s second-leading rusher, third-leading receiver, and third in yards from scrimmage (954 yards). Wide receiver Terry McLaurin (1148 yards) and running back Antonio Gibson (1042 yards) are the only players with more yards from scrimmage than McKissic. McKissic’s play also helped to generate first downs for the Washington offense. McKissic accounted for 25 rushing first downs and 32 receiving.
McKissic Act One Scene Two: The 2021 Season
In 2021, McKissic continues to be among the team leaders in rushing yards, targets, receptions, and receiving yards. McKissic has already surpassed his 2020 touchdown total with four touchdowns through 11 games. His catch percentage through 11 games is over 80 percent.
McKissic’s pass-catching ability was on display in Week 4 against the Falcons. McKissic’s most impactful catch of the game came in the fourth quarter, with Washington trailing by two points. On third down and seven with 46 seconds remaining in the game, quarterback Taylor Heinicke threw a pass back across the field as he rolled to his left. The sure-handed McKissic made the reception and took it 30 yards to the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown.
McKissic’s performance in Washington’s Week 12 victory against the Seahawks reminded everyone of the threat he can be in the passing and running game. McKissic rushed for 30 yards on seven attempts and had five receptions for 26 yards. While McKissic only played in 39 percent of the offensive snaps and only had 56 yards from scrimmage, he was responsible for both of Washington’s touchdowns (one rushing and one receiving).
Deserving of a Second Act
McKissic is ruled out for Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders because of a concussion. Washington will miss McKissic’s contributions as they look to win their fourth straight game and get back to a .500 record. When McKissic returns to action, he will continue to build his profile as he prepares to enter free agency this off-season. Based on McKissic’s performance so far in Act One, Washington would be making a big mistake if they decided not to bring McKissic back for a second act.
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