Most Career Receiving Yards by a Washington Commanders Player
The Washington Commanders may not be known as an all-time aerial powerhouse, but they’ve quietly built a deep and diverse history of elite receivers. Whether it was Art Monk’s methodical march to 12,000+ yards or Santana Moss torching secondaries with raw speed, these legends left their imprint on the nation’s capital. Let’s break down the top 10 pass-catchers who made Washington football memorable.
Top 10 List
Art Monk – 12,026 Yards
The ultimate professional. Monk’s sure hands and route running made him Joe Gibbs’ dream receiver — and a Hall of Famer.
Charley Taylor – 9,110 Yards
Before Jerry Rice made it look easy, Taylor set the standard for consistency and production.
Gary Clark – 8,742 Yards
Gritty and fearless, Clark made his name in clutch playoff moments and earned two Super Bowl rings along the way.
Santana Moss – 7,867 Yards
Field stretcher. Game breaker. Cowboy killer. Moss made sure Washington fans were always on their feet.
Bobby Mitchell – 6,492 Yards
A Hall of Famer and the team’s first Black star, Mitchell was elegance, speed, and history all wrapped into one.
Terry McLaurin – 6,379 Yards
The only active player on the list — McLaurin is climbing fast and might challenge for a top-three spot soon.
Ricky Sanders – 5,854 Yards
Forever remembered for his Super Bowl XXII explosion, Sanders thrived under the brightest lights.
Jerry Smith – 5,496 Yards
A pioneer at the tight end position, Smith was way ahead of his time and still holds the TD record for Washington tight ends.
Hugh Taylor – 5,233 Yards
Washington’s first true deep threat. Taylor was burning DBs in leather helmets — and doing it with flair.
Chris Cooley – 4,711 Yards
A tight end with the personality of a wideout and the hands to match, Cooley was Mr. Reliable during his era.

Ranking the greatest pass-catchers in Washington Commanders history by career receiving yards
Top 50 Career Receiving Performances in Washington Commanders History
This chart highlights the top pass-catchers in Commanders history based on total career receiving yards, featuring legendary names like Art Monk, Santana Moss, and Terry McLaurin.
| Rank | Player Name | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Art Monk | 12,026 |
| 2 | Charley Taylor | 9,110 |
| 3 | Gary Clark | 8,742 |
| 4 | Santana Moss | 7,867 |
| 5 | Bobby Mitchell | 6,492 |
| 6 | Terry McLaurin | 6,379 |
| 7 | Ricky Sanders | 5,854 |
| 8 | Jerry Smith | 5,496 |
| 9 | Hugh Taylor | 5,233 |
| 10 | Chris Cooley | 4,711 |
| 11 | Pierre Garcon | 4,549 |
| 12 | Michael Westbrook | 4,280 |
| 13 | Henry Ellard | 3,930 |
| 14 | Jordan Reed | 3,371 |
| 15 | Roy Jefferson | 3,119 |
| 16 | Rod Gardner | 2,997 |
| 17 | Bill Anderson | 2,929 |
| 18 | Jamison Crowder | 2,859 |
| 19 | DeSean Jackson | 2,702 |
| 20 | Don Warren | 2,536 |
| 21 | Larry Brown | 2,485 |
| 22 | Albert Connell | 2,483 |
| 23 | Frank Grant | 2,374 |
| 24 | Antwaan Randle El | 2,202 |
| 25 | Laveranues Coles | 2,154 |
| 26 | Charlie Brown | 2,115 |
| 27 | Leslie Shepherd | 2,112 |
| 28 | Brian Mitchell | 2,087 |
| 29 | Fred Davis | 2,043 |
| 30 | John Carson | 1,987 |
| 31 | Charley Malone | 1,932 |
| 32 | Dick Todd | 1,826 |
| 33 | Clint Didier | 1,815 |
| 34 | Chris Thompson | 1,772 |
| 35 | Vernon Davis | 1,721 |
| 36 | Logan Thomas | 1,685 |
| 37 | Kelvin Bryant | 1,634 |
| 38 | James Thrash | 1,620 |
| 39 | Wayne Millner | 1,578 |
| 40 | Earnest Byner | 1,577 |
| 41 | Danny Buggs | 1,572 |
| 42 | Fred Dugan | 1,571 |
| 43 | Dick James | 1,568 |
| 44 | Ladell Betts | 1,505 |
| 45 | Jim Podoley | 1,461 |
| 46 | Jean Fugett | 1,460 |
| 47 | Ricky Thompson | 1,454 |
| 48 | Jamie Asher | 1,421 |
| 49 | Mike Thomas | 1,405 |
| 50 | Clarence Harmon | 1,383 |
From old-school greats like Charley Taylor to modern-day threats like McLaurin, the Commanders’ receiving legacy spans eras. Art Monk’s reliable excellence and the electrifying moments from Moss, Clark, and Mitchell have carved out one of the league’s more underrated WR histories. And with McLaurin still going strong, the story’s far from over.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Commanders’ all-time receiving yards record?
Art Monk — with a staggering 12,026 career receiving yards.
Is Terry McLaurin already in the top 10?
Yes, and he’s rising fast — currently ranked 6th.
Which WR had the most touchdowns in team history?
That honor goes to Charley Taylor, with 79 receiving touchdowns.
Who are “The Posse” in Washington lore?
Gary Clark, Ricky Sanders, and Art Monk — one of the most iconic WR trios ever.
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