Four underrated free agents still remaining Redskins could target
TE Nick Vannett
There are still some solid potential starting tight ends on the free agent market as of this writing. Many ‘Skins fans are focused on Ebron because of his 14 touchdown season a couple of years ago. The 26-year-old is hyper-athletic and could pan out, but perhaps the Redskins are looking for something else at the position.
The Redskins have been rumored to have an interest in Delanie Walker. He would fit the mold of productive veteran leaders who can help Ron Rivera to implement his system. But if the 35-year-old Walker wants to play with a contender, he could opt to go elsewhere.
Simply put, Washington can’t exit the free-agent market without signing a tight end. They need one badly as they lack a starter and the 2020 NFL Draft class is very weak at the position. If they don’t get Ebron or Walker, they may not have a starter. But at least they could grab someone who could be a low-end starter and top backup.
Nick Vannett could be that guy. Vannett is a 27-year-old who was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Vannett has been a solid blocker throughout his career, but he has only ever been a marginal receiver. His best numbers came in 2018 when he grabbed 29 balls for 269 yards and three scores with the Seahawks.
Vannett wasn’t able to do much after being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers midseason in 2019. But he’s still young and has a well-built 6-foot-6, 261-pound frame. The Redskins could bring him in to challenge for a starting spot on a short-term deal. And if he doesn’t prove to be anything more than a solid blocker, they can part with him or demote him to a backup role as they see fit.
At this point, the Redskins just need some competent bodies at tight end even if they don’t land a recognizable name. Vannett has some upside, some experience, and could at least be a role player in the right situation. Washington should explore the possibility of signing him (though their top focus should still be on landing a guy like Ebron or a stopgap like Walker).