The Washington Commanders have a brand-new offense in 2026, as David Blough takes the coordinator reins from Kliff Kingsbury. For returning contributors, most notably quarterback Jayden Daniels, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, there will be plenty of adjustments.
Only time will tell who is helped and who is harmed by the change in philosophy. For one young contributor, though, there's nowhere to go but up.
Tight end Ben Sinnott has caught a combined 16 passes for 142 receiving yards throughout his two NFL seasons. It's less than ideal for a second-round pick. And this next campaign might be his final chance to prove himself.
Commanders' 2026 season will tell us all we need to know about Ben Sinnott
The Commanders did not re-sign the aging and injured Zach Ertz this offseason, instead bringing in Chig Okonkwo from the Tennessee Titans as their new TE1. John Bates is still in town too, as are Sinnott and Colson Yankoff.
Of the three backups, Sinnott's role is the most uncertain. Bates is one of the best utility tight ends in the league, given his blocking expertise, and Yankoff is a high-level special-teams player. For the Kansas State product, something has to give.
Thankfully, Blough might be the best thing to ever happen to him.
If his experience in Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson's offense is any indication, the Commanders should utilize sets with multiple tight ends much more often than they did under Kingsbury. The way the Chicago Bears found ways last season to get both Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet involved is how Washington will need to operate with Okonkwo and Sinnott.
Of course, that also falls on Sinnott to prove he's worthy of an expanded role.
The offseason drum is beating for him, but until he shows something on the field, it's just noise. He will have opportunities throughout offseason camps to turn heads, and he absolutely must capitalize on them.
This is the season that the Commanders will find out what they have in Sinnott. There can no longer be the excuse that Kingsbury or Ertz held him back. Fans can no longer kiddie-wheel him as if he's "still learning." This is Year 3, where boys become men.
Realistically, if Sinnott can consistently catch a few passes per game and be an apt blocker, it will be a successful season. If not, he might not make it to Year 4.
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