The Washington Commanders tight end position desperately needs an upgrade this offseason. The conference championship games highlighted the importance of the position, with all four teams boasting elite-level tight ends. Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Mark Andrews, and Sam LaPorta are arguably the four best receiving tight ends on the planet, and Isaiah Likely has been a weapon in Andrews’ absence this season. It’s not a coincidence that they all found themselves in the final four. If Washington wants to keep pace in a mismatch-driven league, they must address the tight end position before next season.
Commanders Tight End Corps
The entire Commanders tight end room combined for 85 catches, 767 yards, and four touchdowns in 2023. For reference, Lions rookie Sam LaPorta produced 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns in the regular season on his own. 32-year-old Logan Thomas led the group in every statistical category but carries a steep $8.3 million cap hit in 2024. And with only $1.75 million in dead cap, it’s hard to imagine Thomas returning for a fifth season in D.C.
The remainder of the depth chart is inexpensive and worth the investment for next season. John Bates will be 27 in 2024 and has one year remaining on his rookie deal before he hits free agency. Bates is a quality blocker and can fill a valuable role as a backup or third-string player on most rosters. Three years younger, former 5th-round draft pick Cole Turner showed flashes in the preseason but struggled to find consistent playing time. Turner still has two more cheap years of team control and is worth developing for the future with a new coaching regime.
Lastly, Armani Rogers didn’t record a catch in 2023 and can be cut for next to nothing this offseason. He’ll likely be on the outside looking in after training camp, assuming Washington brings in competition via the draft or free agency. Bates can be serviceable for another season and Turner looks like the backup of the future, but the team sorely lacks a go-to weapon at the position. New general manager, and former college tight end, Adam Peters will almost certainly revamp the tight end group before 2024.
Four Commanders Tight End Targets
Noah Fant, Free Agent
The Denver Broncos drafted Noah Fant with the 20th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. After three seasons with the Broncos, including two with over 60 receptions and 670 yards, Denver traded Fant to the Seattle Seahawks as part of the hefty package for Russell Wilson. Unfortunately, Seattle is probably the least favorable tight end destination in the league. The Pete Carroll regime infamously utilized at least two tight ends on the field at the same time, limiting any individual player’s upside.
The hyper-athletic Fant is still only 26 years old and is coming off of his least productive statistical season, which could allow the Commanders to secure him at a discount. Fellow first-round tight ends Evan Engram, David Njoku, and T.J. Hockenson have come alive after signing their second contracts. Fant could be next in line.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, Draft
Texas Longhorns junior Ja’Tavion Sanders currently projects as a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Washington will likely miss out on the top tight end in the country, Brock Bowers, but holds two second-round picks and two third-rounders. The team is likely to target an offensive weapon with one of those four picks. Sanders was a five-star recruit out of high school and produced two seasons with at least 45 receptions and 600 yards. He ran a 4.56 40-yard dash in high school and combines game-breaking speed with phenomenal ball skills.
At 6’4″ 256 lbs, Sanders has adequate size but won’t be a bruiser in the run game. That won’t be a problem, as he could defer that role to John Bates and focus on the receiving game to start his career. Assuming the Commanders draft a rookie quarterback with the #2 pick, Sanders could be the perfect complement to grow with.
Dalton Schultz, Free Agent
Drafted in the 4th round in 2018, Dalton Schultz has carved out a career as an above-average starting NFL tight end. Schultz emerged as a starter for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 and parlayed three strong seasons into a one-year, $6.25 million prove-it deal with the Houston Texans last year. He proved his worth, recording a fourth-straight season with 15+ games played, 57+ receptions, 577+ yards. and 4+ touchdowns. He’s shown the ability to perform in multiple offensive systems already and is still only 27 years old.
Spotrac estimates his market value to garner a 3-year, $34 million contract in free agency this offseason, which would likely be steeper than Fant would demand. Schultz is a safer, if lower-ceiling, option than Fant and could be a good way to add stability to the receiving corps.
Ben Sinnott, Draft
Kansas State junior tight end Ben Sinnott is another name to watch in April’s draft. Sinnott is a bowling ball in the open field and is one of the most complete players at the position in the class. He’s currently listed as the #119 overall prospect according to a consensus mock draft database and could be available for the Commanders when they pick at #100, #102, or #137. Waiting until Day 3 could allow Washington to build the roster at other positions of need while still finding good value at tight end. Sinnott caught 49 balls for 676 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2023.
Main Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
