Commanders could sign Evan Engram
It seems like the Washington Commanders will re-sign Zach Ertz. The three-time Pro Bowler galvanized his career under offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury in 2024, becoming a focal point of the passing attack and coming up with some huge plays in key moments.
Ertz deserves another commitment from the franchise. They also have second-round pick Ben Sinnott, who was used sparingly by the coaching staff during his rookie campaign. With John Bates set to enter free agency and potentially get a nice offer from elsewhere due to his blocking capabilities, the Commanders might be looking for another tight end to provide immediate assistance.
Evan Engram was a surprising release by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former first-round pick dealt with some injury issues last season, but his pass-catching and assured route-running will generate interest. It's also worth remembering the player accumulated 187 receptions for 1,729 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in the two seasons before 2024.
This might not be something the Commanders contemplate if Ertz signs an extension. But no team can ever have enough good pass-catching tight ends, so nothing should be dismissed at this juncture.
If Engram did join, which seems unlikely, Sinnott would fill Bates' role as the blocking specialist as he develops other areas of his game.
Commanders could sign Joey Bosa
As previously mentioned, the Commanders need help on the edge if they want to keep pace with the Philadelphia Eagles. Failing to stop outside runs effectively was a leading factor behind their eventual demise in the NFC Championship game. That must be rectified as a matter of urgency by general manager Adam Peters this offseason.
The options are plentiful. Considering the Commanders need to find immediate difference-makers capable of slotting into the team's culture shift, getting one or two capable performers from the veteran pool seems feasible.
Joey Bosa is among the more high-profile names on the market. The prolific edge force was among the league's best once upon a time. Unfortunately, injuries had a catastrophic impact on his final three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Bosa featured 14 times last season but lost some of the explosiveness that made him elite. However, his savvy football mind and experience ensured he remained a commanding presence against the run.
That wasn't enough to warrant the whooping salary coming his way in 2025 and Bosa is now searching for a new home. Speculation is rising about joining his brother Nick Bosa on the San Francisco 49ers, but one NFL analyst recently tabbed the Commanders as another potential landing spot for the Ohio State product.
This seems unlikely, but fans should also expect the unexpected during what promises to be a fascinating fortnight ahead.