Washington Commanders Training Camp Primer: Tight Ends

A massive void in the Washington Commanders' tight end room was filled in the opening days of free agency, but what's the outlook for the room as a whole? Could a unit that entered the offseason with questions, that still enters 2026 with outside skepticism, prove to be a strength in 2026?

That may be determined by just how successful new weapon Chig Okonkwo is in year one with the Commanders, yet there's reason to be confident in his impact. After catching passes from seven different quarterbacks over his four seasons in Tennessee, Okonkwo adds a blend of athleticism and speed to the position while also proving to be a willing and capable blocker, a point of emphasis for him dating back to his days in College Park, Maryland.

Washington's bootlegs and play actions are expected to stretch the passing attack with Okonkwo a threat to create in space and second level, yet he won't be the only one featured in an offense that is expected to turn to two tight end sets under David Blough.

John Bates adds the in-line blocking role desperately needed in the offense, Ben Sinnott enters training camp confident the new offense with similarities to his college days, while Colson Yankoff looks to build on a minicamp where he flashed. Baltimore native Lawrence Cager enters preseason looking to make noise alongside Anthony Firsker, who inked last month, and Quentin Moore, who inked as an undrafted free agent.

Where's the upside in the room? Is another experienced option a sensible route for the Commanders to evaluate? Is it Okonkwo or bust?

Biggest training camp question: does Sinnott take the jump?

It's been arguably the question since the start of 2025 surrounding the 2024 former second round pick given he arrived with the pedigree of a receiving tight end that has yet to see that production materialize. After recording one touchdown each season along with 142 yards on 18 targets and 16 catches, the bulk of that production came when Zack Ertz went down with a season-ending injury. While the numbers may not have been what was hoped for with a chance at an expanded role, that production also came amid the quarterback carousel. Yet for the 24 year old looking for that production, Blough's offense could offer both the route trees and reps available to materialize into the next dependable piece.

Similar to Okonkwo, Sinnott's experience at Kansas State showcased him as a downfield threat who can capitalize with the combo of speed and size against linebackers. Former Washington tight end Logan Paulsen compared Sinnott's situation to Trey McBride, who was named an All Pro in 2025, after also struggling under Kliff Kingsbury before breaking out and entrenching himself among the best across the NFL at the position.

Is a McBride-like jump expected out of Sinnott? Not heading into training camp. But could a jump in production drastically alter the outlook of the room and make the unit a clear position of strength? That's an opportunity ahead of the unit starting in training camp.

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