yahoo
As the first week of the Washington Commanders' 2026 training camp comes to a close, attention turns to an undrafted free agent looking to defy the odds. Malik Spencer, a safety out of Michigan State, is determined to earn a spot on the roster despite entering a crowded position group.
Spencer, who went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, spent his entire college career at Michigan State, playing four seasons there. He was teammates with rookie center Matt Gulbin during the 2025 season, though Gulbin transferred in for only his final year while Spencer spent all four years with the Spartans.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 191 pounds, the 22-year-old safety saw action in 12 games during both his sophomore and senior seasons. His freshman and junior campaigns were limited to five and nine games, respectively, due to missed time.
Despite his experience, Spencer's athletic testing raised concerns among scouts. His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) was negatively impacted by average straight-line speed and poor agility results, with change-of-direction limitations flagged as a potential issue.
However, Spencer made an early impression in training camp, reportedly recording two takeaways on Day 2. New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is seeking players who can thrive in his aggressive scheme, which aims to pressure quarterbacks and force turnovers.
Key Analysis
The Commanders' safety room is far from empty, with several experienced players returning. Quan Martin and Percy Butler are entering crucial years in their Washington careers, while Will Harris, Tyler Owens, and Jeremy Reaves are back from the 2025 squad. The team also signed former Colts safety Nick Cross during the offseason, adding to the competition.
With additional names like Robert McDaniel and Qwuantrezz Knight in the mix, Spencer faces a steep uphill battle. A standout performance in training camp and the preseason will be essential for him to earn a spot on the practice squad or the active roster.
Originally reported by yahoo.