5 free-agent tight ends the Commanders could sign in 2023
Which free-agent tight ends should new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy target for his Washington Commanders offense in 2023?
After watching Eric Bieniemy completely dominate NFL teams with Travis Kelce for five years on the Kansas City Chiefs, the question for Washington Commanders fans is who can be their version of the future Pro Football Hall of Famer?
The Commanders currently have five tight ends on their roster. Veteran Logan Thomas is on the wrong side of 30 years old and last season showed that.
Injuries are becoming an issue along with his overall game dipping significantly. Therefore, the Commanders may look to release Thomas and free up some cap space.
John Bates is a much better blocking tight end than a route runner. Armani Rodgers, Cole Turner, and Curtis Hodges are all young and unproven.
With tight-end production being such an important piece of Bieniemy’s offensive scheme and the newly freed-up cap space from the Carson Wentz release, here are five free agents the Commanders can target in 2023.
Tight End No. 1
Commanders could target Evan Engram
After five up and down years on the New York Giants, Evan Engram signed a one-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars and surprised everyone. Although he is still an average run blocker, his speed, route running and ability to line up in several positions were on full display as NFL defenses scratched their heads on how to stop him.
The ability to line up in several positions is one of Travis Kelce’s traits that separates him from the rest of the NFL’s tight ends. Engram just so happens to have the same trait.
Having an undersized cornerback, slow linebacker, or safety with weak coverage skills lined up on someone so large and fast will always have defenses wondering what exactly is coming next.
Engram will be looking to cash in on a multi-year deal after his career year and continue ascending as one of the NFL’s elite pass-catching tight ends. What better way to do so than signing with the Washington Commanders and having Eric Bieniemy place you directly into the Kelce role?
Recent reports suggest the Jaguars plan to franchise tag Engram. So this looks like a non-starter.