Brandon Scherff began his NFL career with the Washington Commanders under an unexpected circumstance when his arm length fell short by just over half an inch of the desired 34 inches for offensive tackles. This shortfall led the team to shift him from tackle to guard during his rookie training camp. Washington fans initially anticipated Scherff to secure the right tackle position, complementing Trent Williams, who had established himself as a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle since his 2010 draft selection.
Despite the disappointment, the move positioned Scherff to become a standout guard, demonstrating adaptability even as expectations shifted.
Scherff’s Accomplishments and Challenges as a Washington Offensive Lineman
Brandon Scherff‘s performance after switching to guard quickly affirmed his value. Alongside right tackle Morgan Moses, who took over in 2014 after an underwhelming rookie season, Scherff helped solidify the Commanders’ right-side offensive line for six seasons, during which Washington made two playoff appearances. Scherff earned Pro Bowl honors in five of his six seasons following his rookie year, missing out only in 2018 due to a torn pectoral muscle that limited his play.
Although his early years saw consistent starts, Scherff faced considerable injury setbacks later on, missing 24 games over five years. Nonetheless, he maintained elite-level recognition among NFL guards. However, ongoing injuries and organizational issues began to strain his relationship with the franchise, delaying contract extensions even after Washington picked up his fifth-year option.
Contract Disputes and Departure from Washington
Scherff’s time with Washington ended without a long-term extension, despite both sides expressing interest in an agreement. Instead, two consecutive franchise tags and rising costs contributed to his decision to enter free agency, eventually signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022. Underlying his departure was reported frustration with the Commanders’ dysfunctional management under then-owner Dan Snyder.
The turmoil was heightened by a notable conflict involving Trent Williams, whose prolonged dispute with the club over medical treatment led to him sitting out a season before being traded. This incident fueled skepticism among veterans like Scherff about the franchise’s internal operations.
Steady Performance After Leaving Washington
In Jacksonville, Scherff demonstrated durability by starting all 51 games over three seasons, avoiding missed contests and continuing to showcase professionalism even as his Pro Bowl days concluded. Heading into free agency in 2025, many teams sought his talent to reinforce their interior line, but he remained unsigned, sparking speculation about his future choices.
Ultimately, Scherff’s decision to retire closed a notable decade-long NFL career, during which he appeared in 140 games, all as a right guard, earning five Pro Bowl selections, with 89 starts and all of those honors occurring during his Washington tenure.
Legacy Among Washington’s Offensive Guards
Brandon Scherff’s Washington career places him near the top among the franchise’s best offensive linemen. While the Pro Football Hall of Famer Russ Grimm is considered the franchise’s greatest guard, Scherff is widely regarded as second-best, surpassing Dick Stanfel, who had a shorter stint in the 1950s. Although Scherff is not expected to enter Canton, his longevity and performance outshine some Hall of Famers in Washington’s history.
Many believe Scherff’s time in Washington should have been longer, much like Trent Williams’s, had the ownership and management been more competent. Despite the setbacks related to his arm length and the team‘s internal struggles, Scherff stood out as one of the Commanders’ most reliable and talented players during a challenging era.
His contributions deserve lasting recognition among the franchise’s loyal followers and historians.