Patterson made all 16 extra-point attempts in his rookie season missed only one of 14 field goal attempts, from 55 yards.
He was claimed by Jacksonville in 2022 and played in all 17 games, earning AFC special teams player of the week honors (four field goals, one extra point) in a win over the New York Jets. He later kicked the game-winning field goal in the wild card round of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Chargers. It was the third-largest comeback victory in playoff history.
Patterson was, coincidentally, replaced in Jacksonville by Brandon McManus, whom Washington signed in March and released three months later after he was accused of sexual assault during his time with the Jaguars.
Patterson spent last season in Detroit and then Cleveland, and he was released by the Jaguars this week after signing a reserve/future contract in February.
Washington signed Ahmed in June, but with the possibility of bringing on another kicker to create competition for the job. Ahmed appeared solid early in training camp but has struggled with field goals from 50 yards and beyond.
“Yeah, I think maybe almost half the league have two into that space,” Quinn said last week. “But that and other positions are still part of the competition.”
The Commanders also re-signed 30-year-old wide receiver Byron Pringle on Wednesday and cut receivers Dax Milne, a 2021 seventh-round pick, and Damiere Byrd.
Pringle joined the Commanders in the summer of 2023 and played in all 17 games, catching 14 of 22 targets for 161 yards (11.5 yards per reception).
The 30-year-old adds to a position group with at least a couple roster spots up for grabs behind Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and third-round rookie Luke McCaffrey.