The Washington Commanders have just about wrapped up their coaching hires for 2026, and now the real roster-building begins. With holes to fill on both sides of the ball, the front office is shifting its focus to free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft.
One name that’s starting to gain traction as a potential target? Tight end Kyle Pitts.
At first glance, it might seem like an unexpected fit. But dig a little deeper, and the idea starts to make more sense.
Kyle Pitts: A Fresh Start in D.C.?
According to Pro Football Focus, Pitts ranks as the 24th-best free agent available this offseason. And while that’s a solid spot, it’s the potential fit in Washington that makes this pairing intriguing.
Let’s start with what we know: The Commanders are coming off a rough 2025 campaign. Injuries played a role, but the issues ran deeper-especially on defense, which struggled to stop just about anyone. Offensively, there were flashes, but this is a unit still in need of playmakers to help quarterback Jayden Daniels take the next step.
Enter Pitts.
After a few up-and-down seasons in Atlanta, the former No. 4 overall pick quietly put together his best campaign since his rookie year. In 2025, Pitts led the Falcons in receiving with 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns. That’s not just solid production-it’s the kind of output that suggests he’s finally turning a corner after some injury-plagued and inconsistent years.
From a metrics standpoint, Pitts posted an 82.0 PFF receiving grade and averaged 1.71 yards per route run. He also moved the chains with regularity, picking up 51 first downs. That’s the kind of reliability Washington could use, especially with the uncertainty at tight end.
What About the Current TE Room?
Zach Ertz, the veteran brought in to stabilize the position, is recovering from a serious knee injury and is set to hit free agency in March. It’s unclear whether he’ll be back-or if the team even wants him back given his age and health status.
Behind him, there’s Ben Sinnott, a young tight end who’s shown flashes but hasn’t been able to carve out a consistent role in the passing game. Part of that is due to Ertz’s presence, but part of it is simply that Sinnott hasn’t yet proven he can be a go-to option.
Then there’s John Bates, a reliable blocker but not someone who’s going to stretch the field or keep defensive coordinators up at night.
Pitts, on the other hand, brings a different element. He’s only 25 years old, has elite athleticism, and can line up all over the formation. Pairing him with Daniels and star wideout Terry McLaurin could give Washington a dynamic trio to build around-not just for 2026, but for years to come.
The Risk Factor
Of course, there’s a reason Pitts is available. After a stellar rookie season in 2021-when he racked up 1,026 yards and averaged 15.1 yards per catch-his production dipped significantly over the next three years.
Whether that was due to scheme, quarterback play, injuries, or a combination of all three is up for debate. But the inconsistency is something any team, including Washington, will have to weigh.
Still, the upside is hard to ignore. Pitts has already shown he can be a top-tier receiving threat in the NFL. And in the right system, with a young quarterback like Daniels who thrives on timing and rhythm, he could become a matchup nightmare once again.
Bottom Line
Washington needs more than just a tight end-they need offensive weapons who can help elevate their young quarterback and bring balance to a team still searching for an identity. Kyle Pitts might not be a slam-dunk solution, but he’s a high-upside option who fits both the timeline and the scheme.
If the Commanders are looking to make a splash in free agency and give Daniels a true security blanket with big-play ability, Pitts should be on their short list.