The Washington Commanders are heading into a pivotal offseason with over 30 players set to hit free agency and a healthy amount of cap space to reshape the roster. One position that clearly needs attention? Tight end.
Zach Ertz, who joined the team late in the 2025 season, is expected to hit the open market. At 35 and coming off a torn ACL, it’s unlikely the Commanders bring him back. That leaves Washington with a tight end room that’s long on potential but short on proven production in the passing game.
Ben Sinnott, the 2024 second-round pick, is the most intriguing name on the depth chart. He’s shown flashes over his first two seasons, but he hasn’t quite put it all together yet. There’s upside, no doubt - he’s athletic, has decent hands, and can work up the seam - but the Commanders don’t appear ready to hand him the TE1 job just yet.
Then there’s John Bates, who’s carved out a niche as one of the league’s best blocking tight ends. He’s a valuable piece in the run game and in protection, but he’s not the kind of pass-catching threat that stretches a defense. Colson Yankoff rounds out the group, but he’s more of a developmental project at this stage.
So where does that leave Washington? Likely shopping for a tight end who can make an immediate impact as a receiver - and they’ll have options.
David Njoku is one name to watch. The Cleveland Browns veteran posted a message on Instagram this week that strongly suggests he’s moving on from Cleveland and plans to test the free agent waters. If he does, Washington could be a natural landing spot.
Njoku brings the kind of athleticism and mismatch potential that the Commanders currently lack at the position. He’s coming off one of his best seasons as a pro, and at 6'4", 246 pounds with elite speed for his size, he’s the kind of tight end who can open up the middle of the field - something Washington’s offense sorely needs.
Of course, Njoku won’t be the only high-profile tight end on the market. Dallas Goedert, Kyle Pitts, and Isaiah Likely are also set to become free agents, setting the stage for what could be a competitive market at the position. None of those names are likely to stay unsigned for long, and the bidding could get intense.
The good news for Washington? They have the cap flexibility to be aggressive. With new general manager Adam Peters calling the shots, the Commanders are expected to be active players in free agency - especially at positions of need like tight end.
Peters has already dipped into the draft for tight ends in each of the past two years, so unless someone absolutely blows the doors off at the NFL Combine, it’s more likely he turns to free agency to find a proven pass-catcher. That would allow Sinnott to continue developing without being thrust into a starting role he may not be ready for.
Whether it’s Njoku, Goedert, Pitts, or Likely, the Commanders have a real opportunity to upgrade a key position on offense. With a young quarterback likely leading the charge in 2026, surrounding him with reliable weapons - especially one who can be a safety valve over the middle - should be a top priority.
This is a team in transition, but with the right moves this offseason, particularly at tight end, the Commanders could take a major step forward.