David Blough is looking to make the Washington Commanders' offense more explosive and creative, in line with modern NFL concepts. It will be built around the strengths of quarterback Jayden Daniels, with second-team All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin also being a focal point.
For this plan to work, the Commanders need a stable pass-catching presence over the middle. That was previously Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz, but his torn ACL late in the campaign means someone else needs to be acquired or step up into a larger role.
That brings the future of Ben Sinnott firmly under the microscope. Washington spent a second-round pick on the player in 2024, believing he could potentially become a successor to Ertz when he eventually leaves the franchise. That hasn't happened as yet, and the Commanders still don't know what they have in the Kansas State product two years into his NFL journey.
Commanders need to see more from Ben Sinnott, and he must deliver in Year 3
When probed about Sinnott during his introductory press conference, Blough admitted he still has a long way to go. He'll get a chance to impress, but nothing is guaranteed. This was a sentiment echoed by team insider Nick Jhabvala of The Athletic, who thought previous offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury made up his mind about the tight end long before he was let go.
During an appearance on the JP Finlay and Brian Mitchell Show on 106.7 The Fan, Jhabvala felt Sinnott's lack of usage, even when Ertz got hurt, made Kingsbury's feelings crystal clear. She also thought more competition was coming, which only raises the stakes in Year 3.
Could Ben Sinnott's role change in 2026 with David Blough calling plays? @NickiJhabvala: "It seemed pretty clear that Kliff didnt see him as a long-term piece of the offense, just because he didn't get many looks....But I do think they need to add to that room."
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 10, 2026
This shouldn't be lost on Sinnott. Flashing promise is no longer enough. If he wants to cement his status in the team's long-term plans, especially with a new coordinator calling the shots, the urgency and consistency must improve exponentially.
Sinnott has the athletic ability to be a well-rounded tight end, capable of being a useful blocker and a helpful contributor in the passing game when opportunities arise. Something kept Kingsbury from getting him more involved, which was a damning indictment of his development as options on offense dwindled. At the same time, this is a clean slate under Blough. Taking advantage of it is crucial.
The Commanders are not going to wait around on the off chance that Sinnott puts everything together. Expect general manager Adam Peters to find another tight end either in free agency or the draft to turn up the heat on those already around. How Sinnott responds will go a long way toward determining his long-term outlook in Washington.
Fans are about to see what Sinnott is truly made of. Nothing but strong resolve and supreme focus will do.