New Washington Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo breaks down his decision to sign with the team in free agency, sheds light on the 2026 offense and talks about his decision to return to the DMV.
The official start to the 2026 NFL calendar marked the start of general manager Adam Peters and the Washington Commanders with a chance to add upgrades across the defense, especially across the front seven. But day three also marked the first of two eventual free agent signings for Washington on the offensive side of the ball, marking somewhat of a homecoming as well as a major need for the Commanders.
Tight end Chig Okonkwo becomes the addition to the unit after agreeing to a three year, $30 million deal with $16 million guaranteed where he adds a different element to the room as a big play, speedy addition to the receiving game. But he also adds another element.
"They're just getting a high-energy dog, man," Okonkwo told reporters after the team made his signing official on Thursday.
Though Okonkwo grew up in Powder Springs, Georgia where he became a three-star prospect out of Hillgrove Academy, he played his college ball at the University of Maryland, making his signing minutes apart from safety Nick Cross all the more special. Okonkwo admitted he "had no idea" that Cross to Washington was also a possibility, making it a cherry on top of the signing.
While Cross and Okonkwo also squared off two a year as divisional foes with the Colts and Titans, the familiarity of the DMV and surrounding area and an added impression on Okonkwo's decision to ink with the Commanders.
"It was definitely a factor for me," he said. "Just coming back here where I went to school, it was awesome. I know the area. I think this is actually the stadium I played my first college game in too. So that was pretty cool."
After becoming a star in Maryland's passing attack, Okonkwo became a fourth round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft after being selected 143rd overall, proving to be a dynamic piece for a Titans franchise that endured six different quarterbacks and two head coaching changes over his four seasons.
Okonkwo proved to be a dependable piece in the Titans' passing attack as a Titan. Starting in 42 games and 68 games over his career, Okonkwo posted a career-best three touchdowns on 32 catches and 42 targets in a breakout rookie season that ended with him selected to the PFWA All Rookie Team.
It was enough production to become a bigger piece in the offense starting in year two after finishing second on the team in targets and catches behind DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley and Eric Ayomanor over that span while playing in at least 60% of the Titans' snaps. Okonkwo also posted at least 50 catches in each of those seasons along with two touchdowns in each of his last two seasons. His two scores during the 2025 season came in week 15 and 16 while he drew at least four targets in 11 of the 17 games.
Still, Okonkwo's big trait that he adds is big play ability as an athletic receiving threat after averaging ten yards or more per catch in seven games in 2025. That's the element the Commanders need with John Bates and Ben Sinnott back in 2026, becoming another weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels in year three.
"My job here is to come here and make plays, be that guy. Speed, stretch the field, break tackles, catch the ball short, make something out of nothing, catch up on the flat, catch about three yards, get 15. That's my role here."
He also shed light on what to expect from the Commanders' offense in 2026, noting he's studied new offensive coordinator David Blough's expected system. "He's already shown me that and shown me a lot clips from other days, places he's been like Detroit."
"So much space and be able to use my skillset to my advantage, fully to my advantage and just use my speed, my quickness, like actually run real routes on the field and be able to help the quarterback be in the right position, right place, all that time."
Okonkwo also looks to arrive as the same positive impact in the locker room like he was in high school, college and with the Titans.
"I'm gonna be smiling every single day that I'm here. You won't see me one day not smiling. Just want everybody to know hey, let's do this together man."