Washington Football Team: Five “don’ts” in 2021 free agency

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 22: Hunter Henry #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at SoFi Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 22: Hunter Henry #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at SoFi Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 22: Hunter Henry #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at SoFi Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 22: Hunter Henry #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at SoFi Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

No. 4 – DON’T overpay for a No. 2 tight end

In a similar vein to the previous slide, the Washington Football Team also shouldn’t overpay for Logan Thomas‘ sidekick.

That opening statement may be a bit blunt. But the need at tight end in D.C. may be a bit overblown. It’s not always adequately advertised how impressive it was for Thomas to catch 72 passes for 670 yards and six touchdowns with Dwayne Haskins, Alex Smith, and Kyle Allen as his quarterbacks. He should only get better in 2021.

For at least the next year, Thomas should continue to keep growing as a solid No. 1 tight end, with surprisingly low wear on his tires. What Washington needs beside Thomas is a good No. 2. Even after Thomas’ breakout, one does have to acknowledge that he does turn 30 this year, and is a free agent in 2022. But right now, other positions, like receiver, linebacker, and safety, simply demand more financial attention.

Let’s not squander the short-term flexibility that Thomas has provided. Hunter Henry isn’t worth what he’s going to get on the open market. Kyle Rudolph is solid, but past his prime, and he’ll be overpaid as well. Jonnu Smith is a better free agent prospect, but again, the returns may ultimately fail to legitimize the cost, especially in Scott Turner’s offense.

Remember when Austin Hooper got a four-year, $44 million deal from Cleveland in 2020, only to be outperformed by Thomas? And Washington fans were like, “Man, I’m glad we didn’t go after him?” Let’s not fall to that same impulse this offseason.

Yes, the Washington Football Team should seek out a low-risk, high-upside No. 2 tight end. But they should do everything in their power to avoid overpaying. The draft might ultimately be a better option for this position as well, but as our own Hirdesh Matta recently pointed out, there are some nice, more affordable options on the market.