Most Career Passing Yards by a Washington Commanders Player
The Washington Commanders/Washington Redskins have a deep quarterback lineage that stretches across eras. From Hall of Fame icons to modern-day leaders, the franchise has seen several passers etch their names into the record books including in the current era. Here’s a look at the top 10 all-time leaders in career passing yards for the Washington Commanders/Washington Redskins. These are the best of the best.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Robert Griffin III – 8,097 yards
RG3’s rookie season was electric, and although injuries slowed his career, his impact remains remembered in Washington. What if questions remain.
9. Norm Snead – 8,306 yards
Snead provided solid quarterbacking during the early 1960s and was later traded in a blockbuster deal.
8. Gus Frerotte – 9,769 yards
Known for his strong arm, Frerotte had a productive stint in the mid-’90s and earned a Pro Bowl selection.
7. Jason Campbell – 10,860 yards
Campbell brought consistency and mobility to the Commanders’ offense during the late 2000s.
6. Billy Kilmer – 12,352 yards
Kilmer helped lead Washington to a Super Bowl appearance and was a key part of George Allen’s “Over-the-Hill Gang.”
5. Mark Rypien – 15,928 yards
Rypien’s strong arm helped deliver a Super Bowl title in the early 1990s, earning Super Bowl MVP honors.
4. Kirk Cousins – 16,206 yards
Cousins led the team during the mid-2010s, setting franchise records for single-season production.
3. Sammy Baugh – 21,886 yards
“Slingin’ Sammy” was a pioneer at quarterback and remains a foundational figure in NFL history.
2. Sonny Jurgensen – 22,585 yards
A Hall of Famer, Jurgensen was one of the smoothest passers of his era and played over a decade in Washington.
1. Joe Theismann – 25,206 yards
Theismann led the Redskins to a Super Bowl win and remains the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards. It’s clear he is the gold standard for passing in Washington.

Ranking the 10 best career passing yard leaders in Washington Commanders history
Top 50 Career Passing Yards Performances in Commanders History
| Rank | Player Name | Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Theismann | 25206 |
| 2 | Sonny Jurgensen | 22585 |
| 3 | Sammy Baugh | 21886 |
| 4 | Kirk Cousins | 16206 |
| 5 | Mark Rypien | 15928 |
| 6 | Billy Kilmer | 12352 |
| 7 | Jason Campbell | 10860 |
| 8 | Gus Frerotte | 9769 |
| 9 | Norm Snead | 8306 |
| 10 | Robert Griffin III | 8097 |
| 11 | Eddie LeBaron | 8068 |
| 12 | Jay Schroeder | 7445 |
| 13 | Brad Johnson | 6510 |
| 14 | Mark Brunell | 6033 |
| 15 | Patrick Ramsey | 5649 |
| 16 | Taylor Heinicke | 5415 |
| 17 | Doug Williams | 4350 |
| 18 | Sam Howell | 4115 |
| 19 | Rex Grossman | 4035 |
| 20 | Alex Smith | 3762 |
| 21 | Jayden Daniels | 3568 |
| 22 | Trent Green | 3441 |
| 23 | Donovan McNabb | 3377 |
| 24 | Frank Filchock | 3266 |
| 25 | Ralph Guglielmi | 2864 |
| 26 | Harry Gilmer | 2850 |
| 27 | Dwayne Haskins | 2804 |
| 28 | Heath Shuler | 2403 |
| 29 | Tony Banks | 2386 |
| 30 | Al Dorow | 1764 |
From the revolutionary play of Sammy Baugh to the championship leadership of Joe Theismann, the Washington Commanders’ quarterback history is filled with standout performances. These 10 players have defined eras and helped shape the legacy of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.
FAQ SECTION
Who has the most career passing yards for the Commanders/Redskins?
Joe Theismann leads the Washington franchise with 25,206 career passing yards.
Did Kirk Cousins make the top 10?
Yes, Cousins ranks 4th all-time for Washington with 16,206 yards.
How many yards did Sammy Baugh throw for?
Sammy Baugh had 21,886 career passing yards with Washington in an era where passing game was an after thought.
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