Previewing Redskins 2021 free agents targets: The pass catchers

Tight Ends

If Thad Moss turns into the tight end version of his father, and Logan Thomas becomes the next Travis Kelce – if Sprinkle and Hentges become this century’s Didier and Warren – if bell-bottoms and polyester roar back to the forefront of fashion… I’m trying to think of other things that are pretty darn unlikely.

Anyway, if those things happen, then perhaps the Redskins will not be desperate for help at tight end in 2021. But just in case they are, there’s a guy named George Kittle whose contract will be up. He says he wants to be paid like the top the wide receivers in the league, as opposed to the lowered salaried tight ends. I expect San Francisco will pay him. If not, you have to at least make a phone call. But there are other options.

Hunter Henry is playing on the franchise tag for the Chargers, and until Kittle signs, he is the highest-paid tight end in the league. Henry is very good, but he has only played in 41 games over his four years. Much like Will Fuller above, you can’t sign him to a huge deal unless he stays healthy for all 16 this year.

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The lower-priced options begin with Gerald Everett of the Rams. Everett, who has been buried behind many other offensive weapons in LA, has shown decent productivity when given a chance. He is not likely to be a star, but he would be a solid addition to a growing offense.

An even better option would be Tennessee’s Jonnu Smith. Just 24, Smith has a very high ceiling. Tennessee values tight ends, and they will have several young prospects hitting free agency in 2021.

Assuming that the Titans are intent on holding onto Smith, that might free up Anthony Firkser, a 25-year-old from Harvard who can line up in the backfield or on the line. Firkser is a steady blocker who has shown flashes as a receiver. Like Everett, he is unlikely to be a top tight end, but he could be a valuable part of the young offense. So could San Francisco’s Ross Dwelley, though I prefer Firkser’s more physical game.

The other player who merits some attention this year is the Colts’ Mo Alie-Cox. With Eric Ebron now in Pittsburgh and the newly-acquired Trey Burton a major injury risk, Alie-Cox could see a lot of time playing behind starter Jack Doyle. Alie-Cox, a former basketball player, is a physical monster, who is still learning the nuances of the tight end position. He could parlay a solid 2020 into a significant pay raise in 2021, and if that happens, the Redskins should be one of the teams in the mix.

If the Redskins could add players like Kenny Golladay or Jonnu Smith, it would make the passing attack immediately more dangerous. But there is some good value to be found in less-known, and cheaper, players.

In his first year, Ron Rivera seemed intent on targeting a few studs, and then focusing on bargains. That is a good strategy, and amongst pass catchers in 2021, there will talent available in both categories.