Redskins: Vernon Davis should be the top tight end over Jordan Reed

Vernon Davis has been a consistent playmaker for the Washington Redskins offense. It’s time to use him as the top tight end option over Jordan Reed.

When Vernon Davis signed with the Washington Redskins during the 2016 offseason, few expected him to be a very productive player. Davis was coming off the two worst seasons of his NFL career and looked to be finished. He was, at the time a 32-year-old free agent with a lot of tread on the tires. He warranted a look for the Redskins, but he was just supposed to be a decent backup at the best.

However, Davis surprised the Skins with his performance in his first season. Functioning as the team’s second tight end, Davis was able to find the perfect role in the Washington offense. He looked athletic and explosive as he did during his prime in San Francisco and that really helped to improve the team’s offense.

In 2017, it has been more of the same from Davis. Through nine games, he has already racked up 460 receiving yards on 30 catches. The mark of 15.3 yards per catch is the third best in his long NFL career. More importantly, he has been a consistent threat for the offense, something that has been few and far between this year.

Davis’ performance has come partially due to the fact that the Redskins have been without Jordan Reed multiple times this year. Reed has appeared in just six games and hasn’t been particularly effective. He is once again dealing with injuries and he just can’t seem to get fully healthy. He certainly hasn’t lived up to the big contract he signed with the team back in 2016, and the Redskins could be fed up with his inability to see the field.

Because of this, it may be time for the team to consider utilizing Davis as their top tight end for the rest of the season. He has earned the playing time, and the case for Davis is a strong one.