The Washington Commanders took their big swing in 2025-and came up short. After pushing all their chips in and falling short of expectations, the offseason now presents a chance to reset, reassess, and retool. And if there's one clear takeaway heading into this pivotal stretch, it's that Washington needs to give Jayden Daniels more help.
One intriguing option just hit the radar: Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku. With Zach Ertz sidelined late last season due to a torn ACL and uncertainty surrounding the rest of the tight end room, Njoku could be exactly the kind of dynamic piece this offense needs.
Let’s break it down.
A Tight End Void in D.C.
Zach Ertz was a security blanket for Daniels-reliable, experienced, and a savvy route-runner. But with his injury and age factoring into the equation, the Commanders can’t bank on him being the same player in 2026.
Behind him, John Bates is a solid blocker but doesn’t offer much in the passing game. Ben Sinnott, a second-round pick from 2024, hasn’t yet emerged as a consistent receiving threat.
So, if Washington wants to make a real investment in Daniels' development, looking outside the building makes a lot of sense. And that’s where Njoku enters the conversation.
Why Njoku Makes Sense
At 29, Njoku isn’t exactly a young gun, but he still brings athleticism and playmaking ability that could elevate this offense. He’s coming off a breakout season in 2023, and while that’s been his only truly standout year, the potential has always been there. His size-speed combination creates matchup nightmares-especially in the red zone and on intermediate routes where Daniels could use a big target.
And here’s the kicker: Njoku might not break the bank. With his market value hovering around $10 million annually, he’s not expected to command top-tier tight end money. That opens the door for a team like Washington, which is looking for value and upside without committing to a massive long-term deal.
The Fit with Daniels
Daniels is a quarterback who thrives when he has trust in his weapons. We saw flashes of that with Ertz before the injury.
Njoku offers something different-more explosiveness, more vertical threat, and the ability to stretch defenses in ways Ertz couldn’t. That could open up the field not just for Daniels, but for the entire offense.
For a young quarterback, having a safety valve who can also flip the field is a game-changer. Njoku has the tools to be that guy. The question is whether Washington is ready to invest in that kind of weapon for their franchise QB.
Bottom Line
The Commanders are at a crossroads. They’ve got their quarterback, and now it’s about building around him. David Njoku isn’t a sure thing-but he’s a high-upside play at a position of need, and he fits the mold of the kind of player who could help take this offense to the next level.
If Washington is serious about getting back to the heights of 2024, surrounding Daniels with legitimate playmakers has to be a priority. Njoku might just be the first step in making that happen.